Paul Pogba well and truly silenced his critics with a sensational second-half display against Manchester City on Saturday.

Admittedly, Like the rest of his Manchester United teammates, the French international was terrible in the first-half at the Etihad Stadium.

Man United found themselves 2-0 going into the break and it seemed inevitable that they would have to endure Man City celebrating winning the title in front of them.

They desperately needed a hero. That man was Pogba.

Pogba has a terrific second 45 minutes, scoring twice in the space of a few minutes to level the game at 2-2. Chris Smalling then volleyed in the winner 20 minutes from time.

RIO FERDINAND SPEAKS OUT

It's not just on the pitch that Pogba is being slated, he is also being criticised for his actions off it.

Many condemned the 25-year-old's blue hair before the derby, with Gary Neville describing his hairstyle as 'ridiculous'.

But Rio Ferdinand has hit back at Pogba's critics on Instagram, claiming that he must be respected as his hairstyle is his own choice.

And the former Man United legend also urged Pogba to keep up this good form so that more focus is on his game, rather than what he does off the pitch.

"Paul Pogba was the talk before the game and he went on to make sure he was the talk after it (for the reasons he so desperately wants them to be)." Ferdinand wrote.

"Knowing Paul, he will want to be talked about as a great player but his extravagant hairstyles and dance moves have too often overshadowed his performances. Flashy hair and being seen to enjoy every bit of life is just the way Paul Pogba is and that’s his choice so it must be respected."

Ferdinand also hinted that Jose Mourinho should continue to play Pogba in a more advanced role so that he can 'do what he does best'.

"All he has to do is make sure he keeps producing performances & goals like we saw vs City and that will be the conversation with him rather than the other stuff.

"He was let free or had to play in a more advanced role due to the scoreline which allowed him to do what he does best - less defensive responsibility and allowed to attack like he learnt and did at Juve with the results we saw in the second half at City.

"That’s the pressure he puts on himself but one I’m sure he can deal with."

Spot on, Rio.

Pogba may have his critics, but when it comes down to it, Pogba's actions off the pitch are his choice and he must be respected for that.

He does not harm anyone with his personality off the pitch so he should be allowed to continue as he pleases.

But if Pogba keeps putting in performances like he did against Man City in the second half, he'll silence his critics in no time at all.