After Manchester United‘s narrow win over Norwich City on Saturday, a number of fans in attendance at Old Trafford booed Paul Pogba. In response, the French midfielder cupped his ear to taunt the fans.
Pogba‘s contract at Manchester United expires at the end of the season and it is expected that he will move on this summer, sparking frustration among supporters. There is also the belief that he has never consistently lived up to expectations since returning from Juventus for a club-record 94.5 million pound fee.
Fans chanted for Pogba to “f*** off” when Marcus Rashford was brought on in his place during the second half, with the scores level at 2-2 at the time.
Support for Pogba
But Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick spoke out in defence of the 29-year-old, insisting that the actions of the club’s fans made little sense, instead wishing that they would support the club and the players.
“The fans are amazing and I can understand them feeling frustrated and disappointed,” Rangnick said. “But I don’t think it makes any sense to take on any individual person or player.
“It’s a collective responsibility so I’ll always defend and protect my players. I didn’t see what he did at the end of the game but I heard about it.
“It was his reaction to chanting during the game. As I said, I can understand the fans in a way but I don’t think it makes sense to take on one player.
“I though Paul did quite well in possession during the game. No.8 isn’t his best position, but we had no Fred or Scotty [McTominay] so I had to make a decision.”
Pogba has largely played a bit-part role this season, as injuries and a lack of form have resulted in him playing in just 26 games for United in all competitions, in which time he has scored one goal and provided nine assists.
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