Evra claims Man Utd critics are ‘too harsh’ on Pogba and tells them to ‘leave’ Ronaldo alone

Patrice Evra has leapt to the defence of Man Utd duo Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo following criticism this season.

Ronaldo has been criticised by some for his overall performances and attitude this season but there is no arguing with his goalscoring record the Red Devils.

The Portugal international has bagged 24 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions with compatriot Bruno Fernandes the only other Man Utd player to reach ten goals this term.

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“Cristiano — it’s not a question,” Evra told the Daily Mirror. “Can we leave this guy alone? He’s got 18 [league] goals.

“Where would we be if Cristiano wasn’t in this squad? That’s why when people talk about him, I’m like, ‘those people are not in peace with themselves or they are jealous’. It’s so crazy, I don’t even want to answer that question anymore because I’ve answered so many times.

“I will give you one thing: put Cristiano Ronaldo in the Manchester City, Liverpool or Chelsea team [and he will do well]. But put one of their best players — put Mo Salah in United — [he will struggle] like every player.

“And they say it’s because he’s my friend or whatever. No. I’m in love with his work ethic, with his professionalism. He’s 37. This guy, even at 40, will still score goals. And he’s here for that, that’s what people want from him.

“So, that’s why when people ask me about Cristiano, sometimes I just don’t want to answer anymore because he’s proved so many times — hat-tricks or whatever. And the funny part is when people say he doesn’t defend.

“When he won the Ballon d’Or in 2008, Cristiano’s best quality was not to defend. So let’s talk about what he’s good at, and what he’s good at is to score goals.”

Pogba, who is out of contract at the end of June and expected to leave, has only played 27 times in all competitions this term and Evra thinks he was a “scapegoat” for fans when things weren’t going well.

Evra added: “I had the feeling it would never work from the beginning. Because, first of all, he came with that massive price tag.

“Everyone expects Paul to score three goals per game — he’s a midfielder. I ask everyone to look at the statistics from when Paul was playing for Juventus to now. He’s done much better than when he was playing for Juventus.

“Paul was everything from outside; social media, people were talking about his haircut when he was not playing, the Jose Mourinho-Paul Pogba saga. It was like they were bigger than the club. I was going mad, sometimes we were talking about Liverpool versus Manchester United and the media were talking about Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho.

“It’s sad because of the potential he’s got. He gets booed now which is unbelievable because the United fans never boo a player.

“It’s time to go, good luck to him but it’s sad because Paul loves United. He was even in depression but Paul was always the scapegoat.

“But he could’ve been more consistent, he also has to take some responsibility. But I think it’s unfair and I think people have been too harsh on him.”