Manchester United

Ralf Rangnick addresses Paul Pogba boos

By Sam Varley, Reporter | 17 April 2022

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick defends French midfielder Paul Pogba after he was booed off the pitch at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has discouraged fans from targeting individuals after Paul Pogba was booed off the pitch on Saturday.

The French midfielder was substituted off at Old Trafford against Norwich City, a decision that was firstly cheered before he was booed off the pitch.

As quoted by the Evening Standard, Rangnick said: "I can understand if the fans are frustrated and disappointed, so are we. I don't think it makes sense to take on and to target any individual person or player. It's a collective responsibility. For me it doesn't make sense and this is why I will always defend and protect my players."

Pogba was again met with a hostile reception after their eventual 3-2 victory, with the 29-year-old replying by cupping his ears, to which the German interim boss said: "It was probably his reaction to the chanting of the fans. As I said, I can understand in a way the fans and supporters but it doesn't make sense to take on individual players."

Rangnick has already addressed fan behaviour in the past, after Red Devils captain Harry Maguire was met with boos while on international duty for England last month.

Pogba sees his current contract at Old Trafford expire at the end of the season, and, having made 232 appearances for the club, contributing 39 goals and 51 assists, he will be free to leave in the summer if a new deal is not agreed with the Manchester side.