Antoine Griezmann: 'Paul Pogba must show his quality'

Antoine Griezmann has backed France teammate Paul Pogba to prove his doubters wrong following a torrid time at Manchester United in recent weeks.

The £89m midfielder has started just four of the Red Devils' last 11 matches in all competitions, amid rumours of a breakdown in relationship with manager Jose Mourinho.

France boss Didier Deschamps admitted earlier this week that Pogba 'will not be happy' with his situation at United, but Griezmann is adamant that the 25-year-old is in as jovial a mood as ever.

"He came back [to the squad] with a huge smile on his face," he told reporters ahead of Friday night's meeting with Colombia. "He was happy. It's not easy when you don't play at your club or you don't feel at your best. It happened to me and he knows that.

"He still enjoys having fun and working hard, which are what matter the most. It's up to him to prove and show that he's still the player that he can be. The coach trusts him, like the entire squad. We need a smiling Paul and an efficient one on the pitch."

Pogba has not scored or assisted a goal for United in nine matches since the 3-0 league win over Stoke City on January 15.