Manchester United

Ronaldinho: 'Paul Pogba can win Ballon d'Or at Manchester United'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 23 April 2018

Brazil legend Ronaldinho claims that Paul Pogba is capable of winning the Ballon d'Or while at Manchester United, providing that the Frenchman listens to Jose Mourinho.

Brazil legend Ronaldinho has claimed that Paul Pogba has the ability to win the Ballon d'Or during his time at Manchester United.

Pogba has made a mixed impact at United since moving to Old Trafford in 2016, but although the France international has been criticised during the current campaign, the midfielder has still contributed five goals and 10 assists from 23 Premier League outings.

Manager Jose Mourinho has sometimes started Pogba on the bench - as well as substituting the former Juventus man on several occasions - but Ronaldinho feels that the player can learn from his current boss.

The 38-year-old told Canal: "He can win the Ballon d'Or, without a doubt. I see Pogba as a friend, I don't see myself as his idol. He is young, talented and he has the ability to play anywhere, he can play in a free role, defensive, as a runner or attacking. He has the characteristics of a player who can fill any position, he can make history.

"He knows the substitutes' bench, like me at Paris Saint-Germain with [Luis] Fernandez. It is not the same, when Mourinho tells you that you're on the bench you have to respect that, the other guy, a little less.

"I think Paul really has a lot to learn from Mourinho, who is one of the best coaches in the world. A coach who has won so many titles should be respected. In my case, it was the opposite."

Pogba has insisted that there are no issues between himself and Mourinho.