France manager Didier Deschamps has insisted that Paul Pogba's recent dip in form for Manchester United is to be expected from time to time.

The 24-year-old, who rejoined the club for a then-world record fee of £89m, has endured a difficult season so far and was dropped by manager Jose Mourinho for their Champions League clash against Sevilla at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

Pogba came off the bench in the second half, but struggled to take control of the game and United conceded two goals soon after his introduction, knocking them out of the competition.

However, despite his recent dip in form, Deschamps has chosen Pogba to join the squad for upcoming friendlies against Colombia and Russia, and is confident that the midfielder will return to the top of his game sooner rather than later.

Deschamps told reporters: "In September or October, people were questioning [Antoine] Griezmann, then [Kylian] Mbappe was in a slump, and now he's at the summit.

"No player can be at the top of his form for 10 months of the season. Paul is Paul. Perhaps he is having a tougher time, it's been a while since he had one.

"I know what he can do. Yes, he might be having a more difficult period, but it doesn't change what I think of him."

Pogba will have a chance to regain his form before the international break when United play Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup quarter-finals at Old Trafford on Saturday.