FIRED UP
And at his lethal best when he’s angry
France midfielder Pogba, 25, has had two inconsistent seasons since moving back to Old Trafford for a then world-record £90million.
He is one of several big-name United players who have been lambasted by boss Jose Mourinho for failing to cope with the pressure of wearing the famous red shirt.
But Ferdinand (below) believes that Pogba can rediscover his star quality at the World Cup – and return to Manchester a changed man.
“Paul is desperate to announce himself on the world stage,” said Ferdinand, who knows from his own 12-year experience of playing for United how the great expectations of the club can weigh heavily.
“Paul is someone who wants to be known as a great player. When you look at the history in the French national team – with Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane – he wants to be remembered as a player like that.
“But Pogba has to play well. And he has to win – and that’s not easy. There will be pressure because expectations are huge on France.
“Pogba and [Antoine] Griezmann will be carrying the hopes of their nation on their shoulders – and I would like to see Paul do it.
“He’s a showman and someone who wants to be the centrepiece of what comes out of that team. Now he has the opportunity to do that.”
Mourinho felt compelled to drop Pogba from his team after he failed to deliver on the pitch. And the Frenchman’s future came under even more scrutiny when Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola revealed that he had rejected an offer from agent Mino Raiola to take the former Juventus star to the Etihad.
Pogba’s answer was to score twice in United’s 3-2 derby win over the Sky Blues. And now Ferdinand would like to see him playing with some fire in his belly in Russia.
Ferdinand said: “There is no doubting Paul’s talent. Anyone who sees him play would be a fool not to see he has immense talent in all areas.
“But it’s about putting that together week in, week out – and, in a tournament, it’s very difficult. Sometimes you have to be angry – certain players need that fire in them.
“Paul is one of those guys. If he is angry and hyped for a game and lets that filter out when on the pitch, you see a better Paul Pogba.”
Mourinho will be backed in the transfer market again this summer after finishing 19 points behind City and losing the FA Cup Final.
But there is a growing scepticism in the corridors of power at Old Trafford that the former Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss can win back the dressing room.
He questioned the commitment of Pogba, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and even top scorer Romelu Lukaku.
Eric Bailly was dropped, while £30m centre-back Victor Lindelof disappeared from the first team.
England striker Marcus Rashford has also become disillusioned with the lack of faith from his manager.
And United are trying to raise money by selling Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian, while attempts to persuade Marouane Fellaini to sign a new contract have so far failed.