Paul Pogba has cut out “all of the flashy stuff” at Manbchester United and can now be trusted by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to put in performances of a World Cup-winning standard, says Paul Scholes.
A France international midfielder has been looking to hit that level on a regular basis throughout a second spell at Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old has often fallen short, leading to regular rounds of questioning regarding his value and commitment to the cause at Old Trafford.
Fresh speculation surrounding his future that was sparked by untimely comments from agent Mino Raiola has, however, been shrugged off to find a run of consistency that has helped United to the top of the Premier League table.
Scholes is pleased to see a proven performer delivering on expectation, with the Red Devils legend telling ESPN of Pogba: “At times, Paul seemed to play with the expectation that he had to win a game by himself and do everything, but Bruno [Fernandes] has come in and become a match-winner and creator. All of the stats show how important Bruno has been to the team, but his presence has brought the best out of Pogba.
“Ever since his agent said he wanted to leave United last month, he (Pogba) has really performed. He has got his head down, cut out all of the flashy stuff and now looks like the Pogba that plays for France - the one that won the World Cup - in that he keeps it simple and performs consistently. I hope it continues because if it does, he can be a player that really makes a difference between now and the end of the season.
“He has all the ability in the world - he proved that in a good team at Juventus and with France - so it is up to him now. Ole will wonder at times if he can trust Pogba, but his recent performances have been nothing but positive.”
While Pogba has been thriving in the middle of the park, United also boast an abundance of riches in the attacking department.
Edinson Cavani’s vast experience has been added to that talent pool this season, with the Uruguayan making a positive early impression, but Scholes believes Mason Greenwood is deserving of more minutes as the 19-year-old seeks to prove that he can become a fearsome central striker.
“I think Ole really needs to start playing Mason more regularly now,” Scholes added.
“He will score goals whenever he gets chances and is the type of striker who could be hitting 25-30 a season when he gets more experience. But he isn't going to score if he isn't playing, and he's at a stage where he needs to be out there.
“It's similar to Phil Foden earlier this season at Man City - Pep Guardiola was holding him back, but he obviously had the talent to play a key role and he is showing that now. Mason is at the same level.
“Cavani has surprised me. I thought he had run out of steam at Paris Saint-Germain, but I still don't think he is a player who should be starting. He is the guy you bring off the bench in the final 20 minutes when you need a goal, and I think that has been evident in the games he has started, when he hasn't looked quite so sharp.
“But I love Ole's best front three – [Marcus] Rashford, [Anthony] Martial and Greenwood - because I think they all offer so much. People think I don't like Martial, but I actually really rate him. I just think, right now, his confidence has gone a bit and he needs to build it up again.”