Diego Simeone: 'Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay two of best midfielders in world'

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has said that Manchester United have two of the "best midfielders in the world" in the shape of Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg with the Red Devils, Simeone hailed the strength of the English club's midfield.

The Atletico boss has also insisted that Man United have become "much more compact" and "stronger" since Ralf Rangnick's arrival as interim head coach in early December.

"They have an incredible midfield. I am incredibly impressed with the work rate. Pogba and McTominay are two of the best midfielders in the world with a great balance," Simeone told reporters.

"The team is much more compact, it's stronger. They have a solidity at the back, they're a very physical team with the central defenders and the midfield they've got. They are really strong and it's really, really difficult to find vulnerabilities there.

"I always assess the virtues of our rival, but of course we will try to find a way to try and hurt them, try and find our way to the goal, if you like."

Pogba could allegedly feature in a front three against Atletico on Wednesday, with McTominay potentially being joined in the middle of the park by Fred.