Paul Pogba should leave Man Utd if he's not 'up for the fight', says Graeme Souness

Graeme Souness has launched a scathing attack on Paul Pogba, claiming the Manchester United star is partly responsible for the club's recent struggles.

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a summer move away from the club, with Real Madrid having a bid rejected for the World Cup winner.

United are still not certain their £89m record signing will be at the club come the start of the season but have serious misgivings about Real’s ability to meet their £150m-plus price tag.

Sky Sports pundit Souness believes that Pogba and former team-mate Romelu Lukaku, who left Old Trafford for Inter Milan in August in a £73 million deal, should share responsibility for Man Utd's recent plight which saw them finish sixth last season.

"If I’m sitting in United’s dressing room, I’m glad Lukaku has gone and don’t want Pogba in there with me either if he’s not up for the fight ahead and is also keen to get away," Souness told the Times.

"They’re as responsible as anybody for the predicament United are in, yet have effectively said to their teammates: “It’s everybody else’s fault.”

"‘No, let’s get it right, lads, you’re part of the reason United are not in the Champions League this year.

"Madrid are looking to nick Pogba on the cheap because they’re suspicious of his form, while Inter haggled over the asking price for Lukaku because he didn’t pull up any trees at United either."

United face a tough test on Sunday as they welcome Frank Lampard's Chelsea to Old Trafford, having seen Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham all win their opening games.

Former Liverpool player Souness also suggest Sir Alex Ferguson would not have entrusted Marcus Rashford to be his first-choice striker.

"I’m not convinced he’s ready for it yet," the 66-year-old added. "It’s not ideal and it would not have happened under Fergie."