Paul Pogba believes Sir Alex Ferguson would succeed in the modern day game

Paul Pogba believes legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would succeed in the modern age – but only if he had a similar group of players and staff to those he had during his time at Old Trafford.

Pogba infamously fell out with Ferguson during his first spell at United leading to the French midfielder leaving the club for free at the end of his contract to join Juventus in 2012.

He was frustrated by a lack of playing time with the Red Devils, while there was also a bitter contract stand off between his agent, Mino Raiola, and Ferguson.

Paul Pogba backed Sir Alex Ferguson to succeed in the modern day game – but only if he had a similar group of players and coaching staff to those during his decorated spell with Man United

Following Pogba’s departure, the United boss then accused him of disrespecting the club, adding further fuel to the fire in the bad blood between the pair.

Ferguson had said in 2012: ‘It is disappointing. I don’t think he showed us any respect at all, to be honest. I’m quite happy that if they [footballers] carry on that way, they’re probably better doing it away from us.’ 

After a successful four years with the Italian giants, Pogba returned to Old Trafford for a then-world record £89.3m fee before he left again in the summer to rejoin The Old Lady.

Paul Pogba left Manchester United in 2012 after his infamous fall-out with Sir Alex Ferguson

Ferguson had accused Pogba of ‘disrespecting’ the club when he departed to join Juventus

And reflecting on his former boss, Pogba outlined the sort of manager Ferguson was like to play under.

‘He wasn’t doing, it wasn’t the coach like you see now with Pep Guardiola that is more talking,’ he told Field of Stories.

‘No, he wasn’t like that. I think he had the staff and the players so he didn’t need to do that.’

When pressed on whether his former adversary – who won 38 trophies during his legendary 27-year spell at the helm – would succeed in the modern game, Pogba added: ‘If he has the staff and people and players (like he did), yes.’

Ferguson also fell out with Pogba’s then-agent Mino Raiola due to a bitter contract stand-off

The 29-year-old also spoke about former United striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who acrimoniously left the club after his explosive and controversial interview with Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo is expected to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, but reflecting on playing alongside him as his team-mate, Pogba was full of praise for the 37-year-old and his attitude.

He said: ‘The discipline of Ronaldo was unbelievable – I’ve never seen this.

Despite his acrimonious exit from United last month, Pogba hailed Cristiano Ronaldo’s attitude

‘The discipline is in another level. I see professional players, a lot of players, they’re very professional they come early, they all do recoveries and stuff like that. 

‘But someone that’s been there every single day and doesn’t stop – that’s Cristiano.

‘Every day! Some days you’re like, I’m ok! But he doesn’t miss one day. His discipline to do it every single day – this is something.’ 

United returned to action with a 2-0 win over Burnley in the Carabao Cup last Wednesday, before they face Nottingham Forest on December 27 in their first Premier League game since the World Cup.