Patrice Evra defends Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo after Manchester United prediction

Former left-back Patrice Evra has launched passionate defences of former teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba, insisting the Manchester United duo do not deserve the criticism they often encounter.

Evra made the admission after returning to Old Trafford on Saturday for the Legends of the North charity match against Liverpool, in which United were beaten 3-1. It meant the United supporters who attended the match still didn't have much to cheer after a forgettable campaign for the club's first team.

But despite all of the troubles United faced this season, Ronaldo was a shining light in his first season back at the club, scoring 24 goals in all competitions. He often stepped up to the plate when they needed a hero and he single-handedly dragged them through the Champions League group stage.

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Despite that, a lot of United fans and pundits have blamed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner for the club's demise this season, frequently labelling him as 'the problem'. That is an opinion that Evra cannot understand.

"Cristiano — it's not a question," Evra told the Mirror. "Can we leave this guy alone? He's got 18 [league] goals.

"Where would we be if Cristiano wasn't in this squad? That's why when people talk about him, I'm like, 'those people are not in peace with themselves or they are jealous'. It's so crazy, I don't even want to answer that question anymore because I've answered so many times.

"I will give you one thing: put Cristiano Ronaldo in the Manchester City, Liverpool or Chelsea team [and he will do well]. But put one of their best players — put Mo Salah in United — [he will struggle] like every player.

"And they say