Paul Pogba has long way to go before reaching Steven Gerrard's level, warns Rafael Benitez

Pogba made his United return against Newcastle on Saturday

Pogba has been out injured since September (Getty)

Rafael Benitez has reminded Manchester United's Paul Pogba that he still has some way to go before he reaches the level of 'top class' midfielders like Steven Gerrard.

Pogba was instrumental as United came from behind to defeat Benitez's Newcastle United 4-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday, with the Frenchman scoring his side's third of the night after setting up Anthony Martial's equaliser.

It was Pogba's first appearance for United since suffering a hamstring injury in September and despite missing two months of the season, he has still has three goals and three assists from his five league appearances.

Benitez hailed the match-winning display from Pogba that scuppered Newcastle's bright start to the game. Yet when asked whether he saw similarities between Pogba and Gerrard, the Spaniard claimed Pogba still has much to do to match his former captain at Liverpool.

"Stevie was a top class player for so many years, very consistent," Benitez said. "He could make the difference in every game, with the ball, without the ball. He was a top class player.

"Pogba is a great player but still he has to be consistent for years like Stevie was for 10-15 years."

Newcastle became the first away side to score at Old Trafford in the Premier League since April when Dwight Gayle's strike handed them a surprise lead within the opening quarter of an hour and Benitez's side enjoyed some bright moments on the counter.

United's class ultimately told, however, with the £89.3m Pogba pulling the strings in midfield. The Newcastle manager was proud of the performance he saw from his players but claimed their task would be difficult, given United's greater resources.

Pogba marked his return with a goal and an assist (Getty)

"This team [Manchester United] is a top side. The money that they spent in the last five years is massive, so the players they have are very good players," he said. "You have to do almost everything perfect and for 90 minutes, it's very difficult.

"For us, for the teams that were promoted, still there's a big difference because the money from the division in the last couple of years is massive. Especially the teams at the top of the table, they have that money plus all the money they had before. It's a big difference."

The Newcastle manager added: "You make mistakes and when you play against a normal team, maybe you do not concede. You play against a top side with top players, you know that you will pay for that."