ONLY ONE MAN. UTD. PLAYER WOULD HAVE MADE IT IN GUARDIOLA'S BARCA.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hailed Marcus Rashford as 'perfect' and leapt to the defence of Paul Pogba ahead of Thursday's
Manchester derby.

But despite his plaudits for that Red Devils duo, the Spaniard has identified Michael Carrick as the only Manchester United player who would have made it into his all-conquering Barcelona side, report the Manchester Evening News.

Pogba has been the subject of fierce criticism after his £89million move to Old Trafford in the summer, but Guardiola insists he is an 'outstanding' player who has played a lot better than his critics claim.

Jose Mourinho faces a desperate search this summer to find a holding player, who can influence the game in the manner of the 35-year-old.

Eric Dier has emerged as one candidate - and in Guardiola’s mind, only the very best will come close to Carrick.
He said: “I am a big fan of Michael Carrick.
“He is one of the best holding midfielders I’ve ever seen in my life by far.

“He’s the level of Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets in Barcelona and Munich.
“All of them (United’s English players) they are perfect.

“Rashford is a big talent, of course, and Lingard.
“England is safe, you have outstanding players.

“Not just here in City – United, Tottenham, Chelsea. Come on guys - you can do it, the International team.”
Finding the man to fill Carrick’s shoes will be crucial to exploiting Pogba’s talent to the fullest.

He never looked better than when anchored by Andrea Pirlo at Juventus - and his performances have been enhanced when Carrick is in the United team.

The French international, who has been ruled out of the derby with muscle fatigue, has been roundly criticised this term.

But Guardiola has no doubts about Pogba's quality.

“I met Paul Pogba for the first time when Bayern Munich played Juventus last season,” said Guardiola. “In both games I was really impressed.

“He played in 10 positions. He is an outstanding player and he can do absolutely everything.

“Sometimes it’s not easy to handle the expectations you have when you arrive here, especially with the amount of money, it wasn’t easy.
“I think he made a good season.”