Robbie Fowler has claimed that Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba may be struggling at present in the Premier League because the game is more "organised" than in Italy's Serie A.
The France international has failed to hit his usual heights in recent weeks, and Jose Mourinho appeared to criticise the player after last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United.
Mourinho, who took Pogba off shortly after Matt Ritchie struck the winner at St James' Park, has however denied suggestions that the two have fallen out.
Liverpool legend Fowler is confident that Pogba - who missed the 2-0 FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town with illness - will be aware of his sub-par performances and will be determined to put things right.
"Pogba will be bursting with pride," Fowler told The Mirror. "And that pride will be hurting like hell when he isn't playing well, when things are not going for him.
"I can guarantee he knows he's not playing well at the moment, but his pride will tell him it's not all his fault. He's a talented player, he knows that talent hasn't disappeared overnight, but there are other factors which will hurt him.
"My guess is he's suffering a bit because of the level of the Premier League. In Italy, he was able to play in a system which gave him complete freedom. In England teams are more organised. There is not the freedom to do what you like, keep running forward and leave big gaps in midfield.
"He's a top player who hurts when he doesn't look like one. And he won't put up with that for long."
Pogba has scored just three goals in his 22 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
Giuseppe Labellarte
