Berbatov says Pogba and Lingard are “childish”

Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard are considered to have a “childish” mentality, with former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov claiming that both need to feel happy in order to play well.

Two products of a famed academy system at Old Trafford have not always enjoyed the full support of a loyal fan base or the wider footballing world.

Criticism has come their way on a regular basis, with serious questions asked of their consistency and contribution to the collective cause in Manchester.

Ex-Red Devils frontman Berbatov told the Daily Mail when asked if Pogba and Lingard get a hard time purely because they play for United: “Some fans just say things because they want to say something and they have the freedom to say bad things that are not always deserved. 

“Young players need to express themselves how they see life. If they are happy, they will translate that on the pitch.”

The Bulgarian added:

“Players like Lingard and Pogba they see differently to you and I. More childish, more boyish because they are young.

“As long as they are happy, they will put this feel into the game and it will benefit them, and the team will benefit.

“You can read a lot of negativity around social media and we are all human beings. It goes [in your head] and you start questioning yourself. Then you don’t play well, and the team lose and that is not good for anyone.”