Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has defended Sir Alex Ferguson over his treatment of Paul Pogba.

The midfielder quit United for Juventus when Ferguson was in charge.

And Ferdinand said: “In his first spell at United, everyone in the dressing room thought he was good enough to get more minutes on the pitch.

“The manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, could have played him, but he didn't.

“But the manager can't be blamed, because he had other more senior players who needed game-time in cup games.

“He had to make sure they'd be ready if needed in the league.

“The boss had to shuffle his pack, but if Paul had stayed he would have played more the next season."