Martial: ‘Pogba is best midfielder in the world’

UNITED star Anthony Martial claims Paul Pogba is ‘the best midfielder in the world’.

The Reds’ record signing has come under scrutiny in recent weeks with his recent Old Trafford form criticised.

However, team-mate Martial has backed the Frenchman to prove himself under Jose Mourinho – and thinks the 24-year-old is on course to be a future Ballon d’Or winner.

“I would say Paul is probably the best midfield player in the world,” Martial said.

“Paul is very strong mentally and very sure of himself. He’s a big guy, he is very technical on the ball and has lots of endurance. And he’s still young, so he has a lot to work on and he can get even better.

“If he continues to improve, then I think he’s going to win the Ballon d’Or award in the next five years.”

Mourinho and Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola have both moved to dispel talk of a rift between the Frenchman and his manager.

Reports claimed Pogba was unhappy with his midfield role and there were far-fetched suggestions a summer exit was a possibility.

Speculation was fuelled when the former Juventus man was dropped to the bench for fixtures against Huddersfield and Sevilla last month.

Pogba returned to the starting line-up for the victory over Chelsea and when Mourinho was asked about the rumours last month he branded them ‘a big lie’.