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'You can't beat him with a stick because he's different' - Ferdinand rushes to Pogba's defence

Rio Ferdinand is baffled how Paul Pogba is still being blamed for Manchester United's issues despite missing most of the season through injury and urged ex-professionals not to "beat him with a stick" just because he is different.

For much of Pogba's second spell at Old Trafford, the France international has polarised opinion among supporters and pundits – with few doubting his ability, but many suggesting he should be decisive on a more consistent basis.

Pogba cost United a reported £89 million ($102m) when he returned from Juventus in 2016, but many former players claim he has not shown enough for that to be considered a good deal, with Roy Keane and Graeme Souness two notably prominent – and frequent – detractors.