Aurelien Tchouameni revealed Paul Pogba has helped him integrate into the France national team, hailing the Manchester United star for his guidance.
The Monaco midfielder made his debut for Les Bleus last November - helping them win the Nations League - before netting the winner in Friday's victory over the Ivory Coast.
Tchouameni will hope for another opportunity to consolidate his place in Didier Deschamps' squad when the world champions play South Africa on Tuesday.
And the 22-year-old is thankful to Pogba for helping him settle during the infancy of his senior international career.
"Paul gave me lots of advice," Tchouameni said. "He guided me and I thank him because he is one of the people thanks to whom I feel good in this group.
"In the field, our complementarity happened naturally. He's the player I've been most associated with, I think. We manage to delegate tasks and talk to each other to sometimes tighten the lines."
Although, Tchouameni admitted he was unsure if he needed to make the move to a European heavyweight to yield further selection, pointing to club mate Wissam Ben Yedder as an example.
"I do not know," he added. "Maybe, that's a discussion I need to have with the coach. From what I see, you don't necessarily have to play for [Manchester] City or Real [Madrid] to be regularly in selection.
"We see it with Wissam Ben Yedder, who is in Monaco with me. It's not a hindrance to play for ASM; I'm fine there. In any case, this is not a question that I asked myself."
Paul Pogba is keeping his options open after claiming "nothing is decided" on his future, with the Manchester United midfielder's contract expiring at the end of the season.
The France international has had an up and down career at Old Trafford since returning from Juventus in 2016.
Speaking to Telefoot, Pogba addressed his current feelings about life at United, suggesting that playing for the national team has been a welcome break from club matters.
"You have to tell the truth: there were difficult times, especially when I have been in Manchester," he said.
"When I'm not playing or when the results are not there, coming here [to the France national team] gives you a boost."
Pogba has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and former club Juve, but would not rule out signing an extension with United.
"Nothing is decided on my future, there is nothing done. I can decide tomorrow, as I can decide during the transfer window. I want to come back and finish the season well."
Pogba – who has scored 39 goals and registered 47 assists in 222 appearances for the club in all competitions in his second spell – also aired his frustration at the lack of trophies, with United out of the FA Cup and Champions League and seem set to face an uphill battle to finish in the top four in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old spent some time out of action with a thigh injury earlier in the season, and also saw another change of manager at Old Trafford, with Ralf Rangnick replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on an interim basis.
"How do I judge my season? It's difficult because there have been a lot of events," Pogba continued. "Between the change of coach and the injury... We no longer have a title to play for, so it is neutral.
"I want to win titles, I want to play for something. Whether it's this year or even the last few years, we haven't won a title. That's what's sad, in the end."
Paul Pogba has one foot out of the door at Manchester United, going on the record this week to say he has been disappointed by his five seasons with the Red Devils.
With his contract set to expire in June, the 29-year-old will have plenty of suitors from all over Europe.
While he is expected to sign with an established Champions League contender, Premier League sides Newcastle United and Aston Villa are reportedly assessing if the France international has any interest in remaining in England.
TOP STORY - POGBA TO STAY IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
While away on international duty, Pogba spoke to French media about how his time at Manchester United has fallen short of expectations.
He spoke about how he has been depressed at times throughout his latest near six-year stint in England, and went on to describe the current season as "dead", pointing to his ambition to win trophies in the future.
It seems likely that Pogba's future will be at another club, and while it is widely reported that the favourites to attain Pogba's services are European giants Juventus, Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain, The Sun is reporting that Newcastle and Aston Villa are "monitoring the situation".
ROUND-UP
- According to Calciomercato, Milan are considering a summer move for Chelsea's Jorginho after his agent declared it would be a "dream" to return to Italy. "Today he can play in four or five teams: AC Milan, Inter, Juventus, Roma or Napoli," agent Joao Santos declared this week.
- The Evening Standard is reporting that Declan Rice would prefer to move to Chelsea as opposed to Manchester United after West Ham reportedly placed a £150million price tag on the English midfielder to try and fend off circling clubs.
- Tottenham's Harry Kane was non-committal when asked about his future at the club, with The Daily Mirror reporting there is interest in reuniting the striker with former boss Mauricio Pochettino if he is to secure the top job at Manchester United.
- UOL is reporting that Barcelona are set to make it a three-horse race for young Ajax star Antony after Dani Alves recommended the Barca hierarchy should match the bids of Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Paul Pogba is "not satisfied" with how Manchester United have performed over the past five seasons and says he does not feel as though he has a role at Old Trafford.
France international Pogba returned to United in 2016 for a then-record transfer fee of £89million (€105m) following four trophy-laden campaigns with Juventus.
Pogba has had far less success on the trophy front at United, having won only the EFL Cup and Europa League – both of those coming under Jose Mourinho in 2016-17.
The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the campaign and is widely expected to depart on a free transfer, with Juve and Barcelona among the clubs reportedly interested.
With United out of each cup competition this term and battling for a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League, Pogba is heading for a fifth year without any silverware at club level.
"We have to be honest, I am not satisfied over the last five years, not at all," he told La Figaro. "This year, it's dead, we will win nothing again.
"Whether it is with Manchester or in another club, I want to win trophies."
Pogba has won the World Cup and UEFA Nations League with France, whom he is currently on duty with ahead of friendlies against Ivory Coast and South Africa.
And unlike at club level with United, where he has played under three managers, Pogba feels far more settled with Les Blues with long-serving boss Didier Deschamps in charge.
"It's simple. With France, I play, and, in addition, in my position. I know my role, I feel the confidence of the coach and the players," he said.
"It's normal to feel this difference with Manchester, because it's hard to be consistent when you often change position, game system or partners.
"At Manchester United, do I really have a role? I ask the question and I don't have the answer."
Paul Pogba has opened up on suffering from bouts of depression during his playing career.
The World Cup winner became the most expensive footballer on the planet for a period when Manchester United re-signed him from Juventus back in August 2016.
Pogba has bore the brunt of criticism at time for the Red Devils' inconsistent performances, with the 29-year-old having not won a major honour with United since collecting winners' medals in the EFL Cup and Europa League in 2017.
Speaking to La Figaro while on international duty with France, Pogba revealed he has had to contend with personal issues away from the pitch.
"I've had depression in my career, but we don't talk about it," he said.
"Sometimes you don't know you are, you just want to isolate yourself, be alone. These are unmistakable signs."
Pogba went on to say he noticed his struggles beginning during Jose Mourinho's time as manager at United.
The two endured a reportedly rocky relationship when the Portuguese was in charge at Old Trafford, with Pogba losing the vice-captaincy in September 2018.
"Personally, it started when I was with Jose Mourinho at United," Pogba added.
"You ask yourself questions, you wonder if you are at fault because you have never experienced these moments in your life."
Pogba added the personal riches and acclaim that come from being a professional footballer does not stop players from going through difficult times.
He said: "All top athletes go through these moments but few talk about it. Inevitably, you will feel it [depression] in your body, in your head, and you may have a month, even a year, where you are not well. But you don't have to say it. In any case publicly.
"We earn a lot of money and we don't complain really, but that doesn't prevent us from going through moments that are more difficult than others, like everyone else in life.
"Because you make money, you always have to be happy? It's not like that, life. But, in football, it does not pass, we are however not superheroes, but only human beings."
Spotify's new $235million deal with Barcelona has given the Spanish side some extra spending money, and all eyes are on Manchester United's Paul Pogba.
The Red Devils were eliminated from the Champions League by Atletico Madrid, and currently occupy fifth spot in the Premier League table in what has been a disappointing season.
Pogba recently made headlines after his home was burgled while he played in the second leg of United's tie against Atletico, coming off the bench in the 1-0 loss at Old Trafford.
TOP STORY – BARCELONA CLOSE IN ON POGBA
According to The Daily Star, Barcelona's recent windfall has the club looking around at options to add to Xavi's side, with Pogba now considered within their price range and near the top of the list.
Pogba, 29, has nine assists and one goal in his 16 Premier League appearances this season, with his contract set to expire this summer.
Meanwhile, TuttoJuve say Manchester United have identified Dutch 19-year-old Ryan Gravenberch as a potential replacement if they can pry him away from Ajax.
ROUND-UP
- Barcelona coach Xavi has said club legend Lionel Messi will "always be welcome" back at Camp Nou. However, Marca also report that Messi does not plan to leave Paris Saint-Germain during his two-year contract.
- According to Fichajes, Newcastle United are interested in signing superstar forward Neymar, who is under contract at PSG through 2025.
- Juventus are to target a move for Manchester City's Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, The Daily Star reports, if the English giants manage to sign Norwegian striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
- La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Antonio Rudiger is set to join Juventus when his Chelsea contract expires this summer, signing a four-year deal with the iconic Italian club.
- Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta has agreed to a free transfer to Barcelona, with the deal expected to be completed at the end of the season according to Football Insider.
- The agent of Chelsea midfielder Jorginho said he would one day like to return to Serie A, according to The Daily Mirror. The 30-year-old Italian spent three seasons with Hellas Verona, and five seasons with Napoli before heading to the Premier League.
Manchester United star Paul Pogba is offering a reward for information after his home was burgled on Tuesday.
The burglary took place while the midfielder was appearing in the second leg of United's Champions League last-16 clash with Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford.
In a statement posted on his social media channels, Pogba revealed he subsequently rushed home "not knowing if our children were safe and unharmed."
The France international said the intruders were in his home for five minutes while his children were asleep in their bedroom.
Marcel Desailly has labelled Paul Pogba a "lazy" player who tends to shy away from his defensive responsibilities for Manchester United.
France international Pogba was left out of United's starting line-up for Tuesday's clash with Atletico Madrid and only played the final 23 minutes of the last-16 tie. Atleti progressed 2-1 on aggregate thanks to Renan Lodi's first-half header.
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick instead opted for Scott McTominay and Fred in midfield, with Pogba and Nemanja Matic later arriving from the substitutes' bench.
Pogba's absence as one of three changes from last weekend's 3-2 win against Tottenham came as a surprise given he had started United's past five matches in all competitions.
However, fellow World Cup winner Desailly felt Rangnick was justified in leaving out Pogba.
"Quality-wise, you cannot compare Pogba to Fred, McTominay or Matic," Desailly told beIN SPORTS ahead of the game.
"But he's lazy. If you allow him to be a playmaker behind [Cristiano] Ronaldo he can take advantage of it.
"When it goes well, he's fantastic. When it doesn't go well, offensively he hasn't brought what everyone was expecting.
"At the same time he cheats a little bit and doesn't drop back to help with the midfield defensively."
Pogba's arrival in the second half could not inspire United as they slumped out of the Champions League and saw their last chance of silverware this season slip from their grasp.
It was Pogba's 23rd appearance of the season, with the 29-year-old having missed an extended period through injury.
While Pogba's defensive work was questioned by Desailly, the midfielder's creativity should not be doubted – only Bruno Fernandes (13) has more assists this term than his nine.
He is due to be out of contract at the end of the campaign and has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and former club Juventus.
United have now been eliminated from six of their last eight Champions League knockout ties, having won 13 of the previous such 16 in the competition.
Renan Lodi sent Atletico Madrid into the Champions League quarter-finals by securing a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
After a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the last-16 tie three weeks prior, Lodi's first-half header clinched a 2-1 aggregate success for LaLiga's reigning champions.
Anthony Elanga scored United's goal in Madrid but missed an early chance to convert a pass from Bruno Fernandes, who returned to the line-up following a positive COVID-19 test.
Atletico sat back and made life difficult for United after Lodi's first Champions League goal, which was enough to send them into the last eight for the second time in three seasons.
Jan Oblak kept out a point-blank effort from Elanga with his head in the 13th minute, while David de Gea did brilliantly to deny Rodrigo de Paul from 25 yards at the other end.
Fernandes had a claim for a penalty turned down following a challenge from Reinildo before Joao Felix saw a goal ruled out for offside against Marcos Llorente in the build-up.
Atletico still went into half-time in front after Lodi headed home Antoine Griezmann's delivery, with United furious that Reinildo was not penalised for a challenge on Elanga moments earlier.
Elanga guided a decent effort wide 30 seconds after the restart, while Jadon Sancho lashed a volley narrowly over before the hour mark.
Oblak made another fine stop from a Raphael Varane header that looked destined for the top-left corner with 13 minutes remaining.
It was the closest Ralf Rangnick's side came to keeping their last hope of silverware this season alive, with Atletico holding on to progress.
What does it mean? United again pay for slow start
It is not a good sign for United if they draw the first leg of a Champions League knockout clash. They have now been eliminated from the past four ties in which they have been held in the opening encounter, three of which have come against Spanish opposition.
Furthermore, United have now won just two of their past nine Champions League home games against Spanish opposition.
Ronaldo goes missing
United needed their players to step up on the big occasion, but Cristiano Ronaldo was a peripheral figure. He failed to register a single attempt on goal – something he has not experienced in a Champions League game in which he played at least 45 minutes since May 2011 (semi-final second leg against Barcelona with Real Madrid).
Simeone masterclass
If there is one thing Atletico know how to do it is defend a lead. Their second half was vintage Diego Simeone as his team kept their first away clean sheet against an English side in the competition. They also avoided conceding at least once in seven straight Champions League games for the first time since 2013.
What's next?
Atletico take on Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga on Saturday, while United are not in action until a Premier League meeting with Leicester City at Old Trafford on April 2.
Bruno Fernandes started against Atletico Madrid on a big Champions League night for Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese playmaker missed Saturday's 3-2 win over Tottenham after a positive COVID-19 test.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning hat-trick to snatch the points in that game, and United boss Ralf Rangnick confirmed the reason for Fernandes being absent afterwards.
Rangnick said it would be a race against time for Fernandes to be back for duty in Europe; however, the former Sporting CP man was able to train on Monday.
Fernandes was named in a midfield that also featured Fred, Jadon Sancho and Scott McTominay. The latter returned from an injury that caused him to miss the Spurs game, as Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic dropped to the bench for the visit of Diego Simeone's side.
Ronaldo and Anthony Elanga, who scored United's goal in Spain to earn a 1-1 draw, led the attack, with Marcus Rashford only a substitute.
Ronaldo has netted 13 goals in his last 15 home games against Atletico across all competitions, including two hat-tricks in his most recent four – for Real Madrid in May 2017 and Juventus in March 2019, both in this competition.
Atletico's attack for Tuesday's second leg of the last-16 tie was spearheaded by Antoine Griezmann and Joao Felix, with former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez on the bench.
Paul Pogba believes Cristiano Ronaldo's return to form was just what Manchester United needed after the Portuguese star hit a hat-trick in the Red Devils' 3-2 win over Tottenham on Saturday.
Having been left out of the squad for their 4-1 drubbing at Manchester City last week, Ronaldo returned with vigour and got United off the mark on 12 minutes with a trademark strike from distance.
The 37-year-old provided timely goals for Ralf Rangnick's side, which was in need of a response as much as points. The Old Trafford crowd fed off it, which was something Pogba acknowledged afterwards.
"Ronaldo was brilliant. I think that's all we needed - a reaction," the France international told Sky Sports. "We scored beautiful goals. Even when we conceded a goal, we came back and scored again. The mentality was there again today.
"Everybody knows Cristiano - there's no need to talk about him. That's what he does. He didn't play in the last game, but he comes back and scores three goals. Everybody's happy.
"It was good today. You can hear the fans. They were pushing us and feeling it. I think today was a very good performance as a team and a very good reaction from the City game.”
Despite Ronaldo's hat-trick, it was nevertheless a volatile 90 minutes from United, with Tottenham managing to draw level twice via Harry Kane from the penalty spot and a Harry Maguire own goal.
According to Pogba though, United's mentality was definitive, especially in context of the Premier League's top four race.
"We kept believing. In the second half, we didn't get the nice passing, and the movement I think wasn't there," he said.
"We gave them a bit of confidence, that's why they scored. But we got a corner and scored the winning goal.
"It's a boost. We needed it to go again. We want the top four and they were opponents who are looking for the top four also. It was a good win and a good performance."
The win puts United in fourth spot on 50 points, two points clear of Arsenal, who have four games in hand on them.
Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United when his contract expires in June, according to the midfielder's personal trainer.
The France international, who turns 29 next week, has not agreed to a new deal with the Red Devils and will be available to leave on a free transfer after the end of the season.
It would be the second time Pogba has left United for nothing, the player having joined Juventus in 2012 before making his return four years later for a then-world-record fee of £89.3million.
Coach Meddy, a Dubai-based fitness coach who counts other elite footballers among his clientele, says Pogba is still "enjoying himself" at United, particularly since Cristiano Ronaldo's move back to England last year.
Still, he claims a parting of the ways could be mutually beneficial to the club and player.
"Regarding Pogba, at the end of June, he will no longer be a Manchester player," he told calciomercato.com.
"I think it's right for him to look elsewhere. Maybe Manchester also want to renew themselves, and the most sensible thing is to separate.
"The time is coming to change and try new challenges, new emotions, new environments for both Pogba and Manchester, to try something different, and maybe they will both be happy.
"Right now, I think he's enjoying himself. They have a good team, especially since Ronaldo decided to return. The problem is the results aren't coming.
"A top player doesn't waste his time with minor competitions. He wants to be motivated to play for ambitious trophies."
United sit fifth in the Premier League after 28 matches this season and meet Tottenham on Saturday in a key clash in the race to finish in the top four.
With a 22-point gap to leaders Manchester City and having exited both domestic cup competitions, the Champions League remains United's only hope of silverware this season.
They face Atletico Madrid at home on Tuesday in the second leg of their last-16 tie, having drawn 1-1 in Spain.
Paris Saint-Germain's latest quest to win the Champions League was ended by Real Madrid on Wednesday.
The Ligue 1 leaders squandered a 2-0 aggregate lead with just half an hour of the tie remaining, losing 3-1 in the second leg and 3-2 on aggregate thanks to Karim Benzema's hat-trick.
It means head coach Mauricio Pochettino could already be looking ahead to a change of scenery.
TOP STORY – POCHETTINO SET FOR PSG SACK AND COULD TURN TO MAN UTD
Mauricio Pochettino's job is "hanging by a thread" at PSG, according to the Telegraph.
It is claimed the Argentine can expect to leave the club at the end of the season following their Champions League collapse against Real Madrid.
Pochettino has long been linked with the Manchester United manager job and could now start to prepare for the prospect of taking over at Old Trafford.
ROUND-UP
- Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken with agent Jorge Mendes over his future at Manchester United, claims the Sun. Meanwhile, Bild reports the Red Devils are interested in signing Robert Lewandowski.
- Paul Pogba is another who could be leaving Old Trafford this year, but Juventus are not yet certain whether to try to re-sign him on a free transfer or offer a new contract to Paulo Dybala, Tuttosport claims.
- Barcelona are close to concluding an agreement with Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, according to Sport.
- Arsenal want to sign two new strikers and a midfielder as part of a major squad overhaul, the Standard says. Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jonathan David and Darwin Nunez are among the forwards being tracked.
- A consortium led by British businessman Nick Candy is working on a £2.5billion bid to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich, the Guardian reports.
Paulo Dybala will miss Juventus' Serie A clash with Spezia through injury, coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed, while Dusan Vlahovic looks set to be rested to the bench.
Bianconeri forward Dybala has been the club's top league performer throughout the campaign, though his thunder has been arguably stolen by the arrival of his new team-mate from Fiorentina.
The Argentinian's contract in Turin runs out at the end of June, and attempts to persuade him to sign an extension have so far proven unsuccessful at Allianz Stadium.
Speaking ahead of his side's vital clash with relegation contenders Spezia on Sunday, Allegri confirmed Dybala would miss the game, and refused to be drawn on the player's future.
"Dybala left training prematurely yesterday," Allegri stated. "He had a problem with his flexor and he did not feel his leg free, so he is still out. If you want I will call him, but he cannot play."
Asked about the forward's injury problems and contract decision, the head coach added: "If we had known, we would have solved it. We are evaluating everything that has been done to understand.
"Then there is the contractual aspect, but it does not depend on me. It will be a negotiation between the club and Paulo. He has been here for eight years and on a technical level, [his contribution] is indisputable."
Vlahovic's arrival in the January transfer window has proven to be one of the more inspired buys of the season across Europe.
But Allegri says the Serbian may take a back seat this weekend, adding: "For Vlahovic I am thinking of the possibility of him starting from the bench. I will see and decide tomorrow."
Elsewhere, the Juve coach weighed in on Paul Pogba, after the Bianconeri were linked with a move for their former player as he appears to wind the clock down on his Manchester United contract.
"Talking about this doesn't make sense," Allegri said. "Pogba is a Manchester United player, I don't know what he'll do next year.
"I had a great relationship with him, he got angry when he lost in basketball and football. Now talking about the transfer market doesn't make sense. Our goal is to reach fourth place."
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