Scholes and Ferdinand agree on Paul Pogba solution after Atalanta "liberties"

Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand agreed that Paul Pogba constantly needs instructions on the pitch after a sub-par Champions League performance drew criticism

Manchester United drew 2-2 with Atalanta only thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's stoppage-time equaliser.

Pogba had started in the middle of the park alongside Scott McTominay, but was hauled off by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after 70 minutes with United trailing.

The Frenchman's quality has never been questioned but his lack of consistency remains an issue at Old Trafford. Solskjaer has often pushed the World Cup winner out wide so that he is freed of defensive duties, but when played as a central midfielder his lack of discipline has been exposed time and again.

United have a blend of young players with some older, more experienced heads and both Scholes and Ferdinand believe that Pogba needs constant motivating from those around him to avoid his performance level dropping.

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Paul Pogba was subbed off with 20 minutes left

Scholes said on BT Sport : "Today Pogba took liberties. There comes a time where you need to be told to sharpen up and play one or two touches.

"All top players have someone behind them saying that because there ain't no player who's perfect every game. He needs to be telling himself that."

Ferdinand went on to say: "Pogba needs someone talking to him all the time. He needs experienced players behind him.

"How old is he 28? He's one of those players where he'll get to 35 doing the same stupid stuff. People know it now they see it every day. The biggest thing with Paul is his concentration; he goes away with the fairies all the time."

Pogba originally burst onto the scene in a Juventus side where he was surrounded by veteran players.

He played in midfield alongside the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio, three elder statesmen who mentored him well.

At United, though, a lack of established leaders appears to have been an issue ever since he signed in 2016 for a then-world record fee.

Ferdinand added: "I don't think anybody is getting hold of him saying carry on I will be on to you in the dressing room.

"Maybe it's a generational thing in our day these conversations were going on but it doesn't seem like that now."

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United were still able to secure a late draw against Atalanta which keeps them in pole position to qualify for the knockout stages.

Solskjaer's main concern from the night will be the forced withdrawal of Raphael Varane, with a Manchester derby to come on Saturday.

"First look at it, he felt his hamstring as he ran there," said the United boss.

"He didn't want to risk anything. First assessment doesn't look good. Fingers crossed."