Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole says he's frustrated by the constant criticism of Paul Pogba by Graeme Souness.
Cole worked under Souness at Blackburn Rovers, and together they won the League Cup in 2002, with Cole scoring the winner in a 2-1 win over Tottenham.
However, the relationship between Cole and Souness soured to the point that the former made an official complaint to the PFA claiming he was being victimised by the Scot.
In 2004, Cole complained that he has been singled out for unfair treatment by Souness and denied days off.
"My issue with Graeme was back then, Graeme was a bully," Cole explained to The Beautiful Game podcast.
"And I was basically saying to Graeme, 'it doesn't work like that, I have grown up different. Bullying don't work'.
"I took up a challenge against a man I really held no fear to. Graeme is old-fashioned, he's very old-fashioned and he's very set in his way.
"He was an unbelievable midfield player back in his day, but when a man is set in his way with the way he used to play and the way his team-mates used to play, he looks at the game totally different to what it is now.
"And that is him."
Manchester United's Paul Pogba applauds the fans after the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester.Cole feels that 'set in his ways' attitude has coloured Souness' view of Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba.
The French World Cup-winner has been a constant source of criticism from Souness in recent seasons.
"When he talks about Pogba, I get frustrated," Cole said.
"I am one of Paul Pogba's biggest fans and when people constantly have a go at him, I am disappointed.
"Yeah he hasn't played as well as he would have liked but a man won't win the World Cup unless he can play the game. He's got every attribute.
"I hope he stays at United for many years to come and proves to individuals who speak about him in that tone what he is all about. He is a quality player and whatever Graeme has got against Paul, only Graeme can answer that question.
"Not every player can play like Graeme Souness but not every player can play like Pogba."
