MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Paul Pogba cannot match Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante for defensive ability.That is the verdict of pundit and former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry.
Pogba has been heavily criticised in recent weeks after struggling to find form.
The Frenchman was dropped for United’s clash with Huddersfield last week.
And his return to the first-team against Newcastle on Sunday saw him substituted on the hour mark after an anonymous performance.
Speaking after the game, Henry analysed Jose Mourinho’s decision to play Pogba in a more defensive role.
“When he is on the ball he can have an amazing impact on the game,” he said on Sky Sports. “Can he do a job?
“Yes he can do a job, but is he N’Golo Kante? No.
“Kante senses dangers and knows what the ball is going to be.
“But he has that in his DNA.”Paul Pogba has more in his DNA to be up there, create, try to do some skills like we saw against Everton.”
Pogba’s best performances in a United shirt this season have came when he is deployed in a more advanced role.
The £89m signing went through a purple patch at the start of the season but has struggled with hamstring issues throughout the campaign.
Meanwhile, Kante was involved for Chelsea on Monday as they beat West Brom 3-0.
Alexis Sanchez claim
Thierry Henry has suggested Marcus Rashford could weigh up his options in the summer due to Alexis Sanchez’s arrival at Manchester United.
The England international has not featured in two of United’s last three fixtures and wasn’t even named in the matchday squad in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle, although Jose Mourinho claimed his absence was due to injury.
Rashford has started just 13 league games all season under Mourinho and his form has stagnated since bursting onto the scene two years ago.
And Henry believes Rashford may have to leave in order to find more regular football to continue his development.
“Leave is a strong word because I’m sure being from there he wants to play for United but he has to play,” Henry said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
“It’s going to become even more difficult for him because Sanchez has arrived.”
Salah comparison
Mohamed Salah is just like Roger Federer, according to Basel president Bernhard Heusler.
“There are a few sportsmen like this,” he told Sky Sports. “Roger Federer is another.
“They never forget where they are from. They are humble and respect the people who were involved in their pathway even when they have gone on to bigger things.
“Maybe it is no coincidence that it is the most successful people who are like that. I am so impressed with him.”
Man Utd target
Liverpool hero John Aldridge says the Reds should have overhauling second-placed Manchester United in their sights as the run-in gets going.
“While the race for the title is over, there’s certainly an incentive to try and finish above United to take runners-up spot,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“Hey it’s our bitter rivals – let’s get it right – and after all the money that they’ve shelled out over the past year, wouldn’t it be lovely for Jurgen Klopp and the squad to show that they’re better than them and end the season above them.
“We won’t have won the league, which is what you want to do, but in a season in which Manchester City have been ridiculous, such a feat would in other years have lead you to the crown.”

Two players face axe
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is looking to axe Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in the summer, reports claim.
Smalling and Jones produced a nervy display in the 1-0 defeat away to Newcastle on Sunday.
Mourinho is on the hunt for a new centre-half and besides chasing a deal for Real Madrid star Raphael Varane, reports emerged over the weekend suggesting Manchester United are also looking at looking at Leicester’s Harry Maguire, who is also supposedly a target for Manchester City.
Although United boast the best defensive record in the Premier League this term, conceding one less than City, questions have been asked over Smalling and Jones.
The Daily Mirror report Smalling and Jones could both make way at the end of the season.
It is suggested Mourinho had concerns about the pair before the defeat against the Magpies.
Jose Mourinho five signings
Mourinho reportedly dreams of signing five Real Madrid players.
Spanish website Diario Gol claims the 54-year-old dreams of bringing five Real Madrid players to Manchester United.
It is said Raphael Varane is tickling Mourinho’s fancy.
Isco and Marco Asensio are also reportedly liked by Mourinho.
He sees Asensio as a rising star and would love to stick him on the right wing, United’s biggest problem area.
Isco, meanwhile, is seen as the perfect player to help get the best out of Paul Pogba.
Yet Diario Gol claim the Red Devils manager would also love to sign Toni Kroos and Casemiro.
Henry on Salah
Thierry Henry wants Liverpool hotshot Mohamed Salah to fire himself to the Premier League’s Golden Boot this season.
“I would like Mo Salah to win it,” he said while appearing as a pundit on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
“Just because it is a good story. It is a great story.
“Harry Kane also because he would win it three years in a row and that would be a great story.
“But Mo Salah, I don’t remember a player playing like that in his first season.”
Neymar switch could include one star player but not Ronaldo – Guti
REAL MADRID legend Guti has predicted his former club could try to tempt Paris Saint-Germain to part with Neymar.
And by doing so Guti thinks that striker Karim Benzema could be offered as a makeweight to bring the Brazilian to the Bernabeu.
Benzema has only netted two league goals this campaign and is expected to depart at the end of the season.
Neymar only joined PSG from Barcelona for £198million in the summer but is wanted by Real Madrid.
However, Guti does not believe it would be a good decision to swap Cristiano Ronaldo for the attacker, despite the Portugal international now entering the latter years of his career. Instead, Benzema is the preferred choice to move to the French capital.
“I like Neymar, but if that means Ronaldo leaving, then no,” Guti told El Chiringuito TV.
“At Real Madrid you have to be the best in the world and Neymar is.
“I think he is more motivated and I think he will continue to be so. “He knows that he won’t come to a better place.
“I think Neymar will go to Real Madrid. Who knows if [Karim] Benzema will be the one who goes to PSG.
“I think Ronaldo will continue here though.”

Arturo Vidal revelation
Manchester United reportedly want Bayern Munich star Arturo Vidal despite Louis van Gaal passing on the chance to sign the Chile international back in 2014.
With Bayern’s midfield options well-stocked, the signing of Goretzka has led to talk that Manchester United will try and snap him up when the transfer window reopens in July.
However, it is not the first time the Red Devils have been tipped to sign him.
Back in 2014, talk was rife that Van Gaal wanted the player – then at Juventus – to boost his side’s flailing midfield.
The Manchester Evening News say Van Gaal gave up on a transfer for one big reason.
It is said the Dutchman was concerned about the players’ knee injuries.

Henry hails Hazard
Belgium coach Thierry Henry hailed Eden Hazard after the Chelsea star’s brace against West Brom.
“I think he can be a difference maker everywhere, especially for Belgium,” he told Sky Sports.
“He is an important player – we have a lot – but when he is on tune, he is very difficult to play against,” he added.
“We forget that he broke his ankle not that long ago and he came back into the game like nothing happened and went back to his level which says a lot about him as a man.”
Giroud fitness latest
Antonio Conte admits Chelsea new boy Olivier Giroud is not 100 per cent fit yet.
“[Alvaro] Morata has pain in his back and I hope we have solved the situation,” he said after last night’s win over West Brom.
“For Giroud he is the same. He is coming back from a muscular problem and for us it is very important to get him in the right position.
“He was unlucky but yes he is ready for the game against Hull. It is very important to play games for him.”
Hazard transfer warning
Chelsea could lose Eden Hazard if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
At least that’s the verdict of former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher amid interest in the winger from Real Madrid.
“He is one of the top players in world football, there’s no doubt about that,” he told Sky Sports.
“The unfortunate thing when Chelsea are talking about getting into the top four tonight and Hazard said Chelsea are made to win trophies, this season they can still win the FA Cup and the Champions League, but if they don’t get into the top four, you would have to worry about him.
“I think every top club in world football would be looking at that situation if they didn’t get Champions League football.”

CHAMPION’S LEAGUE PREVIEWS THIS WEEK….
TUESDAY
Basel v Manchester City

Anything can happen in football, of course, but if Manchester City fail to reach the last-eight, the art of prediction-making may as well perish for good.

Basle have, of course, more than proved their European pedigree in recent years. They already boast a victory over Manchester United this season and have a decent record against English sides, too.
But they are five points adrift of Swiss league leaders Young Boys and are as much as outsiders to progress against a City side setting new standards in English football.

Even with a number of key players out through injury, City boast a frightening forward line and Kevin De Bruyne, the player of the Premier League season so far. Could this be the year they go all the way?

Basel: Vaclík; Lacroix, Suchý, Balanta; Lang, Frei (Zuffi), Xhaka, Petretta; Elyounoussi, Van Wolfswinkel, Oberlin
Out: Vailati (shoulder)
Doubtful: Balanta (thigh), Zuffi (foot)
Misses next match if booked: Balanta, Petretta, Xhaka

Man. City: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Zinchenko; Fernandinho, Bernardo Silva, David Silva, De Bruyne, Sterling; Agüero
Out: Mendy (knee), Jesus (knee)
Misses next match if booked: Danilo

Juventus v Tottenham
Perhaps the toughest tie to call, Juventus v Tottenham promises to be a fascinating battle between two teams at different stages of the cycle of success.

Under Conte and now Massimiliano Allegri, Juventus have been utterly dominant at home in recent years, winning six straight Serie A titles (and three consecutive league-cup doubles). In Europe, too, they have reached two finals in three seasons.

But Napoli are threatening to end their era of Italian supremacy, while Barcelona pipped them to top spot in Group D. Spurs, meanwhile, are threatening to become a European giant in their own right under Mauricio Pochettino.
They finished top of Group H, thanks in no part to a famous Wembley win over Real Madrid. Their league form has been somewhat patchy — they are fourth and 20 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City — but they showed again against Arsenal why they are one of the most dangerous teams left in the competition.

In Harry Kane, they possess one of the deadliest marksman in European football. But Spurs are without a trophy since 2008. And under Pochettino they have shown signs of crumbling on the biggest stage.

Juventus: Buffon; De Sciglio, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanić, Sturaro; Douglas Costa, Higuaín, Mandžukić
Out: Cuadrado (groin), Matuidi (thigh), Höwedes (thigh), Dybala (thigh), Barzagli (calf), Lichtsteiner (thigh)
Misses next match if booked: Pjanić

Tottenham: Lloris; Trippier, Sánchez, Vertonghen; Son, Dembélé, Dier, Davies; Eriksen, Alli; Kane
Out: Alderweireld (fitness)
Misses next match if booked: Aurier
WEDNESDAY
Real Madrid v Paris Saint-Germain

REAL MADRID v PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
The most eye-catching of the eight ties sees Europe’s most successful team against another looking to create a legacy of their own.

Unai Emery’s PSG, who threw away a 4-0 first-leg lead against Barcelona at this stage last year, are once again running away with the top flight in France. They are 12 points clear in Ligue 1 and have added both Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to their attacking ranks since that Nou Camp humiliation.

They possess few weaknesses on paper. But in the seven years since their money-spinning Qatari takeover, the French giants are still yet to go beyond the quarter-finals.
Madrid, meanwhile, are seeking a third successive European triumph under Zinedine Zidane. Their European pedigree is unrivalled but the wheels have rather come off at the Bernabeu this season.

The Spanish giants sit fourth in La Liga, 17 point off leaders Barcelona. In Europe, too, they have stumbled. The 11-time Champions were forced to settle for second in Group H after defeat by Tottenham.

But with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Co in their ranks, they still have more than enough power in their arsenal to beat any team.

Madrid: Navas; Nacho, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modrić; Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema
Out: Carvajal (suspended), Vallejo (hamstring)
Doubtful: Ceballos (ankle)

Paris: Areola; Dani Alves, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Berchiche; Verratti, Diarra, Rabiot; Mbappé, Cavani, Neymar
Out: none
Doubtful: Kurzawa (thigh), Thiago Motta (fitness)

Porto v Liverpool

Given some of the teams their side could have faced, Liverpool fans were right to be relieved when Porto were drawn from the proverbial hat.

Jurgen Klopp’s side head into the tie as heavy favourites, having finished top of Group E with an incredible 23 goals to their name. In Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, they also have one of the most potent front lines in European football.

Despite finishing top of the pile in the group stages however, Klopp’s side demonstrated enough inconsistency and defensive fragility to suggest their optimism must be tempered.

They twice threw away leads against Sevilla and often failed to turn dominance into points. The Reds have form against little-fancied Portuguese opposition, too. In 2006, Rafa Benitez’s heroes from Istanbul were knocked out at the last-16 stage by Benfica.

Now a Coutinho-less Liverpool head to Porto to face a side unbeaten in the league all season.

Vincent Aboubakar and Moussa Marega, who have 31 Primeira Liga goals between them, will surely test Klopp’s new-look back four. But can Porto cope with Liverpool’s threat at the other end of the pitch?

Porto: José Sá; Maxi Pereira, Marcano, Reyes, Alex Telles; Ricardo, Sérgio Oliveira, Herrera, Brahimi; Marega, Soares
Out: Felipe (suspended), Danilo (calf)
Doubtful: Marcano (thigh), Aboubakar (muscular)
Misses next match if booked: André André, Danilo

Liverpool: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mané
Out: Can (suspended), Clyne (back)
Doubtful: Gomez (knee)
Misses next match if booked: Moreno

MORE FOOTBALL GOSSIP AND NEWS….

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale’s agent says the Wales international “loves” the club and “doesn’t want to leave” amid claims Manchester Unitedwill try to sign the 28-year-old in the summer. (Tuttosport, via Manchester Evening News)

Tottenham striker Harry Kane, 24, is playing at the same level as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, says Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, whose side face Spurs in the Champions League on Tuesday. (Sun)

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is planning to revamp his defence in the summer, with England centre-backs Chris Smalling, 28, and Phil Jones, 25, set to be sold. (Mirror)

Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in signing Schalke attacking midfielder Max Mayer, 22, in the summer. The Germany international, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is also wanted by Bayern Munich and AC Milan. (Star)

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal from Bayern Munich are slim, with the 30-year-old committed to the German club. (Sport1, via Mirror)

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has cast further doubt on Simon Mignolet’s future at Anfield by suggesting the 29-year-old Belgium goalkeeper will not be selected for their Champions League match against Porto on Wednesday. (Guardian)

Borussia Dortmund will try to sign Chelsea’s Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi, 24, on a permanent basis in the summer, though there is no option to buy in their loan arrangement. (Evening Standard)

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has written off the Gunners’ hopes of finishing in the top four of the Premier League. (Sun)

Aston Villa defender John Terry, 37, will make a decision on his future at the end of the season. (Telegraph)

Paris St-Germain striker Neymar, 26, has had the Champions League trophy tattooed on to his leg. (Mail)

Newcastle have an option to sign on-loan Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, 29, from Sparta Prague for less than £4m in the summer. (Newcastle Chronicle)

Leeds United will revive their bid to sign Capri’s 25-year-old Nigerian striker Jerry Mbakogu at the end of the season. (Mail)

Manchester United are missing out on more than £26m a season in potential revenue for Old Trafford naming rights, according to finance advisors Duff & Phelps. (Sky Sports)

Juventus and Bosnia midfielder Miralem Pjanic, 27, has revealed he turned down opportunities to join Arsenal and Tottenham in the past. (Telegraph)

Relations between Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld and manager Mauricio Pochettino are strained after the 28-year-old Belgian was not included in Spurs’ squad for their Champions League trip to Juventus. (London Evening Standard)

More replica shirts have been sold with the name of Manchester Unitedstriker Alexis Sanchez on than any other player since the start of 2018, according to sales recorded by retailer Sports Direct. Sanchez, 29, moved from Arsenal in January. (Manchester Evening News)

Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has been approached by intermediaries of Chelsea and Paris St-Germain about taking over as manager. (Sky Sports)

West Ham manager David Moyes has denied suggestions he will leave the club at the end of the season. (Talksport)

Former West Brom first-team coach Ben Garner has declared an interest in the vacant Barnsley managerial job. (Birmingham Mail)

Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles has accused Manchester United’s players of “going missing” during their 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park on Sunday. (Times – subscription required)

Southampton’s players are to blame for the club’s poor form and not manager Mauricio Pellegrino, according to midfielder Oriol Romeu. (Telegraph)