Paul Scholes has claimed Paul Pogba is the only member of the current Manchester United squad that could force his way into Liverpool or Manchester City ’s starting XIs.
The 28-year-old is going into the final throes of his United contract and is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick is determined to keep the enigmatic Frenchman in the line-up however, urging him to use the remaining weeks as a chance to put himself in the shop window.
Pogba missed a glut over fixtures over the festive period with an injury, but following his return in January, he has put together a good run of form.
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Against Leeds United on Sunday, the club’s record signing put in a virtuoso first-half display, before being withdrawn shortly after the hour mark when he started to flag.
But it was the kind of performance which reminded just why United were happy to dish out £89million to acquire his services back in 2016.
Such is the gulf between United and their biggest rivals City and Liverpool, few could argue that the Red Devils would be well represented in a combined XI involving either side.
But legendary United midfielder Scholes believes that on his day, Pogba is capable of walking into any Premier League side - something which could yet become a reality when he picks his next destination.
Asked which United players would get into the top two’s starting XIs, Scholes told Premier League Productions: “Pogba in his best form would. He is indicative of what the club are doing. Every player is inconsistent.
“People running the club are inconsistent in what they are doing.
“I have been a big critic of Paul, but if you are an opposing player going to Old Trafford and you are playing against Fred and [Scott] McTominay ‘all day long’.
“Now, you don’t know what you are going to get with Paul. But when he is on his game, he is brilliant.
“But when he isn’t, then against your Liverpool and Man City’s, you might struggle in them areas. Where do Man United go next year to replace him?”
Scholes’ verdict marks a decided change of tact from his scathing verdict on the same player earlier this season.
Following the 2-2 draw with Atalanta back in November, Scholes said Pogba was too often “away with fairies” and doubted he would ever correct that flaw in his game.
"He needs somebody talking to him all the time, someone there who he totally respects and is experienced," Scholes told BT Sport.
"He is a really experienced player, but he will get to 35 and will be doing the same stupid stuff, stud-rolling the ball - and people know it.
"The biggest thing with the player is his concentration - he goes away with the fairies sometimes.”
