Rio Ferdinand defends Paul Pogba over Graeme Souness criticism

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Paul Pogba did not intentionally disrespect Graeme Souness by saying that he did not know who the Liverpool legend was.

Pogba's comments came in response to regular criticism by Souness while carrying out his punditry duties, and prompted the Scot to hit back by challenging him to "put your medals on the table".

However, Ferdinand believes that the United midfielder genuinely did not know about Souness's playing career and was not trying to be disrespectful.

"For Paul Pogba to say he doesn't know who [Souness] is or wouldn't know him as a footballer, I believe that. It's not disrespectful, he doesn't know him," Ferdinand said on The Beautiful Game podcast.

"As great a player as Souness was – he was a top player, one of the best. If you were talking about the best British midfielders we've produced, he's in the conversation, 100%, Graeme Souness was a good player.

"But Paul Pogba doesn't know him. Simple as that, and that's the difference of generations. I don't think it's disrespectful."

Pogba has been limited to just eight appearances across all competitions this season.