Anthony Martial believes Paul Pogba is “the best midfield player in the world”

Anthony Martial has praised Manchester United star Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba has been backed by Anthony Martial to become the world’s best player.

Pogba has starred for Manchester United in their perfect start to the season and has bagged two Premier League goals and four assists.

The £89.3million midfielder is finally living up to his billing as the world’s second most-expensive star and Martial has tipped his fellow Frenchman to scoop the Ballon d’Or in the next five years.

“Paul is very mentally strong and he’s very sure of himself,” said Martial. “He’s a big guy, he’s very technical on the ball and has lots of endurance.

“I would say he’s probably the best midfield player in the world. He’s still young so he has a lot to work on and he can get even better.

“If he continues to play and improve like he’s doing, then I think he’s going to win the Ballon d’Or award in the next five years.”

Martial claims Pogba is grounded, despite all the adulation currently being heaped on him.

“As a person, you can see he’s always the same,” said the striker. “He’s funny, always smiling, he doesn’t take himself too seriously.

“I always see him laughing and he’s a good friend of mine. He’s the same person on and off the pith and he'll continue to be like this.”

Pogba has helped propel United to the top of the Premier League on the back of their best start to a campaign in 110 years.

United went on to claim the title that season in 1907-08 and their fans are dreaming of a first Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

However Juan Mata insists the players are not getting carried away by their fine start.

The Spanish playmaker said: “In terms of football, the week ends with a very good feeling again, following another convincing victory, although perhaps the score was too high.

“One thing is for sure, we have reasons to be happy with the confidence and determination that we are showing on the pitch, but we also know that this is just the beginning.”

Mata’s focus is now on Saturday evening’s home clash with Leicester and the former Chelsea star says United must grab the opportunity to make it three wins from three before the international break.

Mata wants United to sign off on a high before the two-week break for the latest World Cup qualifiers.

“The next weekend we have a new opportunity to keep gaining momentum, this time against Leicester, always a tough opponent,” he said.

“It would be great to take the first international break of the season with nine points out of nine.”