Eamon Dunphy isn’t buying into the “hype” around Paul Pogba.
Dunphy was a footballer for Millwall and the Republic of Ireland in the 1960s and 1970s, after beginning his career as an apprentice with Manchester United. After retiring, he became a journalist and football pundit for RTE in Ireland, and has often caused controversy with his outspoken views.
Before the Premier League season began, Dunphy was critical of United’s signing of Romelu Lukaku, labelling the striker a “Belgian Emile Heskey.” He appears to be just as unimpressed with Lukaku’s teammate Paul Pogba.
Pogba returned to action after two months out injured in the 4-1 win over Newcastle United at Old Trafford last Saturday, and received plaudits for his performance. The French midfielder scored and set-up a goal for Anthony Martial. However, Dunphy reckons there has been too much “hype” around Pogba’s display, as Jose Mourinho’s side had merely recorded a routine victory.
He also dismissed United’s title chances, and predicted that Manchester City will “rip them to shreds” when the two teams play each other next month.
“They will always beat the Newcastles and the less important teams,” Dunphy said on Irish radio show Game On.
“But will they beat any of the big teams? We will soon know when they play Manchester City. Not really impressed by them. Pogba did okay for the first goal. But it’s saying something that he manages to beat one man, get a decent cross over and the hype starts again. A top player who cost as much as he cost wouldn’t just have to do that to be acclaimed. I don’t think Pogba makes a great deal of difference and we will see when they play the good teams. I don’t think Man United are contenders.”
Last year, Dunphy said Pogba was “useless” and “plays like a kid.”
