Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has backed Paul Pogba to overcome his early struggles, highlighting his own difficulties after moving to Old Trafford.

Pogba, 23, returned to United from Juventus in the summer for a world-record £89.3 million but has so far failed to match expectations.

"I think the fee can weigh on him, it can do," Robson said. "I've seen it in quite a few players who've come to the club and it takes you a fair few months just to settle down and go back to your basics and play your own game.

"I think he's doing OK, but it's just OK at the moment -- we know there is better to come from Paul. He's a real talented lad and I'm sure when the team start getting a consistent run of good results then his confidence will come on and he will enjoy his football."

Robson joined United from West Bromwich Albion for a British record £1.5m in October 1981, with United boss Ron Atkinson -- his former manager at The Hawthorns -- saying at the time of the deal that the 24-year-old was "the best midfield player in the country."

Bryan Robson, centre, with Ron Atkinson and chairman Martin Edwards after signing for Manchester United. PA Archive/PA Images

However, the England international had endured a spell of poor form prior to the deal following a long period of uncertainty over his future and it took time for him to establish himself at United.

"Going back to my own days when I was signed for £1.5m, a transfer record, I think sometimes you try too hard, try to do things you wouldn't normally try to do," he said. "Then once you've been in [a while] you just relax, get back to your basics.

"I think that's all Paul needs to do -- get back to basics, enjoy his football, not be worrying about the transfer fee, and I'm sure his form will come on because he does have the ability."

He added: "I wasn't impressed with my first year at United. Only when I went to the World Cup in Spain in summer '82, and that gave me a load of confidence.

"I came back and didn't even think about the fee any more. I just got back into it in 82-83, and just started enjoying my football again like I did at West Brom."

Robson also said United boss Jose Mourinho is struggling to identify his first-choice midfield.

"That's why he keeps moving players around," he said. "I've got to say I really liked the balance of the midfield in the City game where [Ander] Herrera was the one side of Michael Carrick and Pogba the other side.

"I thought that was a real nice balance and the boys played particularly well in the second half of that game."