Pogba’s fit to play, manager says
Star midfielder Paul Pogba is likely to be fit for Manchester United’s Premier League visit to Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on Monday morning (AEST).
The France international picked up a knock in a challenge by Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey in United’s 2-0 win at St James’ Park on January 2.
Pogba did not play in last weekend’s FA Cup third-round win over Reading and travelled separately from the squad to a training camp in Dubai after staying back for treatment.
“He looked okay towards the end (of the training camp), so he’ll be fit,” caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said ahead of Monday’s clash.
“He did have some problems but he came through the last couple of sessions well.”
United have a perfect record under Solskjaer, who took over in December, with Pogba playing a key role in the league wins over Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town and Bournemouth.
United are in sixth place on 38 points, six points behind Chelsea – who occupy the final Champions League qualifying spot.
Third-placed Spurs are 10 points clear of Solskjaer’s side, having beaten United 3-0 at Old Trafford earlier this season.
Meanwhile, Solskjaer understands why Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has been heavily tipped to take the reins at Manchester United after leading Spurs to top-three finishes in the past three seasons.
“That speculation is there for a reason – because he has done well,” Solskjaer said.