Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes Paul Pogba has the makings of a phenomenal centre back amid a run of inconsistent form for the club.

Pogba has shown glimpses of his world-class talent at times this season but has turned in numerous poor displays of equal measure, leaving Mourinho scratching his head over how to get the best out of his world-record signing.

Now, the Portuguese boss has raised eyebrows by hinting the Frenchman could be poised for a start at centre back. Though he was signed as a midfielder, the Red Devils find themselves somewhat short on options at the back heading into the Manchester Derby in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, particularly given the lengthy injury to new signing Eric Bailly, who has incurred a knee problem.

‘He’s a top player and I think he could be a phenomenal central defender, with the quality of his pass, his aerial game, his agility in such a big body,’ Mourinho told Sky Sports.

The suggestion of a deeper role for the star comes in direct contrast to the majority of pundits’ clamouring for the 23-year-old to be handed a freer role further forward, where he could better express himself.

Pogba has made 11 appearances for United so far this season, scoring three times.