Like it or not, there is a definite correlation between there being an international break and players dishing out scathing yet admittedly honest interviews with relation to situations at Manchester United.
It is becoming clear that the current crop of United players presently gain far more enjoyment from playing for their national teams than they do for their club. It’s no coincidence that particular players - namely Paul Pogba who, along with Luke Shaw, has given some revealing interviews during the last week - thrive away from the unstable environment at United.
The first of Pogba's notable interviews came with Le Figaro, in which he detailed the importance of Didier Deschamps giving him a defined role: "At United, do I really have a role? I ask the question and I don't have the answer."
"Here [with the French team], I have a lot more playing time, the system is different than in a club. I know my role, I feel the confidence of the coach, the players."
"It's normal to feel this difference with United, because it's hard to be consistent when you often change position, game system or partners."
In a separate interview with Telefoot TF1, Pogba revealed feeling that playing for France was "a breath of fresh air", claiming that he "needed this break to regain energy and confidence."
Pogba has often been, correctly to a degree, lamented for interviews carried out whilst on international duty. This time, though, it feels different. There is less of an air of 'trash talking' and more ideas flagged that can be justified as ringing true. As supporters should be able to relate to, life in and around United is exhausting at the moment.
What's the need for hiding the blatant fact of disjointedness?
Luke Shaw is another who has delivered a candid verdict on current affairs, speaking after scoring in England's 2-1 friendly victory over Switzerland. "It’s always important to feel like you’re wanted and I think especially here I always feel that," he said. "I’m not saying I don’t at United, but here, the way things are, I feel wanted and I enjoy my football."
"I think a big part of football is the enjoyment. Of course it’s hard to enjoy when we’re losing and we’re not playing well at club level and we have to face that. This season has not been good enough at all so it’s hard to enjoy."
The comments are perfectly indicative of the current situation at United, including the issues deep-rooted within the fanbase. Contrary to popular belief, players have the exact same feelings that any regular human being would do - they are anything but immune from torrents of criticism. It is completely natural that players will perform better when supported as opposed to being hit was masses of constant, often agenda-fuelled, denunciation.
Imagine trying to operate in a routine workplace with people constantly on your back. It's unfathomable and would be entirely unsustainable.
One thing is becoming increasingly clear: the toxic atmosphere inside the fanbase is reciprocated within the squad. Discontent is rife and spiralling on an unpalatable trajectory.
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