Marcel Desailly says Paul Pogba ‘cheats a little’ with defensive duties but can still flourish behind Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United

Marcel Desailly believes Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba  lacks the defensive discipline to be key for the club.

The French midfielder, who cost the club £89million in 2016, started on the bench for their Champions League round of 16 second leg loss which saw them exit the competition 2-1 on aggregate.

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Fred and Scott McTominay were favoured ahead of him with Bruno Fernandes playing as a No.10.

He did enter the field of play after 67 minutes for Fernandes as United chased the game.

Pogba was unable to turn the tide as Diego Simeone's Atletico held firm at Old Trafford.

Despite continuing to receive criticism for his work ethic, he has contributed to nine assists in just 16 appearances.

But when it comes to crunch matches it appears there is a lack of trust in his ability to perform a role necessary to provide victory in tough situations.

And, speaking before kick-off, France and Chelsea legend Desailly admitted, unless he's given a role behind Cristiano Ronaldo, he doesn't have the defensive nous to help his team.

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"Quality-wise you cannot compare Pogba to Fred, McTominay or Matic," Desailly told 

"You allow him to be a playmaker behind Ronaldo he will take advantage. 

"When it goes well he is fantastic but if it doesn't go well, offensively he has not brought what everyone was expecting and at the same time he will cheat a little bit.

"He will not drop back and help the midfield with the defensive intensity the team is looking for."

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Pogba's contact is up in the summer and there have been suggestions the French star us likely to leave Old Trafford in search of a new challenge.

Both Serie A giants Juventus and French champions Paris Saint-Germain are understood to be keen on his services.