France boss Didier Deschamps believes Paul Pogba is “unhappy” with his situation at Manchester United, and says the midfielder must find his rhythm again.
Pogba, 27, has lost his role in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United side this season, starting just four of United’s seven Premier League matches and one Champions League game so far.
The midfielder has been increasingly utilised as an impact substitute in the second half of games, and the key matches he has started - against Tottenham and Arsenal - have resulted in poor performances from Pogba and defeats for United.
Pogba’s future is uncertain, with a move to Real Madrid frequently touted. United recently activated a contract extension clause to tie him to the team until summer 2022 - an act to protect his transfer value as much as anything else.
In mitigation for a slow start to the season, Pogba has been recovering from coronavirus, and a midfield three of Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Scott McTominay has given Solskjaer’s side balance - especially given their early defensive woes.
With Pogba joining up with World Cup winners France for the international break, Deschamps says the midfielder needs time to get back to his best for United.
"He is in a situation with his club where he cannot be happy, neither with his playing time, nor with his positioning," Deschamps told reporters on Monday.
"He is not in his best period, he has had a series of injuries and the Covid-19 which has hit him quite hard. He needs to find his rhythm.
"With me, there is no such concern. When a player is in discomfort in his club, obviously, he is happy to play for the France team.
"He will tell me about his feelings and as I know him very well, it will go in a positive direction."
France taken on Finland in a friendly on Wednesday before facing Portugal (November 14th) and Sweden (November 17th) in the Nations League.
Additional reporting by Reuters.
