Zlatan Ibrahimovic has told Paul Pogba he must handle the scrutiny his high profile brings as the Manchester United striker claimed outside pressures are like child’s play compared to the demands he places on himself.

Pogba’s poor performance in United’s 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool on Sunday, when he conceded a first-half penalty, spurned a good chance and escaped punishment for his so-called “choke slam” on Jordan Henderson, drew added attention because of the publicity stunts around the world’s most expensive footballer.

The France midfielder, signed from Juventus for £89 million last summer, had become the first Premier League player to get his own Twitter emoji in the lead up to the game and his name was repeatedly flashed around the Old Trafford perimeters board as part of the commercial drive.

Despite his impressive form of late, Pogba appeared to struggle under such an intense spotlight and, with unfortunate timing, the 23 year-old was at the centre of more marketing hype on Monday with the launch of the adidas x Pogba, a bespoke range of football and fashion products.