Gary Neville has refused to back down in his criticism of Paul Pogba's performances at Manchester United so far this season.
The midfielder was heavily criticised by Neville for missing a penalty during a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers last month, pointing out that Marcus Rashford should have taken the spot kick having scored from 12 yards against Chelsea a week earlier.
Some United fans have expressed anger at Neville for what they view as a targeted and unjustified attack on Pogba, who was subject to racial discrimination online after the game against Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
In response to being asked about his criticism of the Frenchman, Neville told Off The Ball: "Paul Pogba is now the obsession, because he's the biggest player at the biggest club, he's a World Cup winner and it should be a compliment that people are talking about it.
"When I criticised Paul Pogba after the penalty incident at Wolves, I don't see it as being any different than the criticism of Roy Keane or David Beckham or Wayne Rooney (back when Neville was playing).
"The best player, the leader, the captain in the team, will stand up and he will take the brunt of the criticism. Just as the manager will and the coach will."
Pogba attracted further criticism for what was a lacklustre midfield display during a 1-1 draw with Southampton at St Mary's last weekend.
The 26-year-old has been withdrawn from the France squad for upcoming internationals against Albania and Andorra due to an ankle problem but is expected to return in time for United's meeting with Leicester City on September 14.
Leo Nieboer
