GRAEME SOUNESS claims he gets “hammered” for criticising Paul Pogba.
The Liverpool legend has made no secret of his disdain for the Manchester United star’s lack of work ethic.
Pogba has spent most of the season injured but made a return to action against Spurs last week.
He came off the bench to inspire United to a 1-1 draw in North London.
And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rewarded Pogba’s effort with a start against Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Speaking ahead of the game, Sky Sports pundit Souness said he was huge fan of Pogba’s talent and ability.
But the Scot added he gets “hammered” just for saying he wants the World Cup winner to work harder in midfield.
Souness said: “I get hammered for [criticising Pogba].
“I’m a fan of his talent, but midfield is the only position on the pitch where you’re playing against someone doing an identical job.
“I want him to go and say to himself, ‘I’m going to work harder today, I’m going to have a better game’.
“Instead of saying, ‘I want to show how clever I am’.
“I’m a fan of his ability, but I want him to work harder.”
Former Man Utd striker Andy Cole played under Souness at Blackburn Rovers.
And he claims his former gaffer is a “bully” for targeting Pogba.
Cole told The Beautiful Game podcast: “My issue with Graeme was back then, Graeme was a bully.
“And I was basically saying to Graeme, ‘It doesn’t work like that, I have grown up different, bullying doesn’t work’.
“I took up a challenge against a man I really held no fear to. Graeme is old-fashioned and very set in his ways.
“He was an unbelievable midfield player back in his day, but when a man is set in his way with the way he used to play and the way his team-mates used to play, he looks at the game totally different to what it is now.
“And that is him. When he talks about Pogba I get frustrated.
“I am one of Pogba’s biggest fans and when people constantly have a go at him I am disappointed.
“Yeah he hasn’t played as well as he would have liked but a man won’t win the World Cup unless he can play the game. He’s got every attribute.
“I hope he stays at United for many years to come and proves to individuals who speak about him in that tone what he is all about.
“He is a quality player and whatever Graeme has got against Paul, only Graeme can answer that question.
“Not every player can play like Souness but not every player can play like Pogba.”
