Football: France coach Deschamps backs Pogba to come good given time at United

France football coach Didier Deschamps said midfielder Paul Pogba needs more time to demonstrate his quality. PHOTO: AFP

(REUTERS) - Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba needs to be given more time to demonstrate his quality in England as his hefty price tag has raised expectations to a very high level, France football coach Didier Deschamps has said.

The 23-year-old, who helped his country reach the Euro 2016 final in Paris in July before losing to Portugal, has endured a mixed start at Old Trafford since making a world-record £89 million (S$155.1 million) move back to Manchester from Juventus in August.

Pogba was anonymous in last month's defeats by Manchester City and Feyenoord but scored his first goal for the club in an improved display in a 4-1 win over Leicester on Sept 24, before another lacklustre performance in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Stoke.

"He has changed his club team and needs to find his bearing with his new team mates," Deschamps told reporters in France.

"With Paul, we always expect more. When he does something neutral, often it is not enough. He is someone we expect to make assists in every game... there is an expectation that is too large. Paul is okay in his own head. He knows what he wants."

Pogba won four Serie A titles and two Italian Cups during his time at Juventus.

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