Manchester United: Leave Paul Pogba In Peace Pleads Arsenal Star

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba in Clairefontaine, France, October 3. France team-mate Laurent Koscielny believes unfair pressure has been heaped on the world record transfer. Franck Fife/AFP/Getty

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny believes criticism of Paul Pogba has come too early in the world record transfer's Manchester United career.

Pogba, 23, re-signed for United in the summer for £89 million ($113.3 million), four years after the Frenchman left for Juventus in search of regular first-team football.

His performances have been up and down so far—Pogba has scored just once, against Leicester City, and missed three clear chances against Stoke City at the weekend in a 1-1 draw.

But Koscielny, who plays alongside Pogba for France, said critics need to quieten down until Pogba has settled into life in the English Premier League.

"Because of his transfer and his status, we demand a lot from Paul Pogba,' Koscielny, 31, said. "We've got to leave him in peace so he can progress."

Pogba and Koscielny are in the France squad for the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria on Friday at Stade de France. United resumes domestic action against Liverpool on October 17 at Anfield.

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