Zlatan Ibrahimovic has backed former Manchester United team-mate Paul Pogba to shake off recent criticism and shine at the World Cup for France.

Pogba is coming off an up-and-down season for the Premier League runners-up and was booed by France fans during a recent friendly.

However, Ibrahimovic, who shared a good friendship with Pogba during their time as team-mates, said he will rise to the occasion this summer.

“I think Pogba for sure, who everybody knows is fast and skilful,” Ibrahimovic said to FIFA’s website when asked which players could make an impact this summer.

He also tipped Pogba’s teammate Kylian Mbappe to make his mark after his sensational rise to stardom over the last two seasons.

“Mbappe, an upcoming star who still has more to give to get to the top, but he will for sure arrive there.”

Ibrahimovic also gave his thoughts on Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, the players widely regarded as the three best in the world, all of whom will be carrying the hopes of their teams and nations in Russia.

“I think Neymar, after being injured and coming back, will have a lot of hunger to play and will lift his team and they will push for him.

“I think with Messi, the picture is normal: he is the best and the team follows him. Ronaldo, the same thing. Let’s see what happens.