TOP POG IS SIMPLY THE BEAST, JOSE
LUKE SHAW has told Jose Mourinho that ‘beast’ Paul Pogba is indispensable to Manchester United.
Pogba has suffered a difficult two seasons at Old Trafford since returning to the club from Juventus in a then-record £89m deal.
The French midfielder was axed for key games last season and has had a rocky relationship with Mourinho (below).
The United boss offered the World Cup winner an olive branch by making him captain for the Premier League opener against Leicester.
And Pogba, who has attracted the interest of Barcelona this summer, responded by inspiring United to a 2-1 win.
It earned him the plaudits of team-mate Shaw, who said: “Paul doesn’t need a break after the World Cup. He’s a beast! He’s unbelievable.
“He only came back three or four days before the game against Leicester and it just shows how important he is for the team.
“He was captain and is a very, very big leader in the dressing room. He’s so important for us.”
Shaw says Pogba has helped him through some difficult times at United.
The left-back has also struggled to establish himself at the club since arriving from Southampton in 2014, but scored a surprise winner against the Foxes.
Shaw, 23, added: “He has helped me a lot. We’ve spoken a bit. He’s a wonderful guy and an even better player on the pitch.
“It’s nice to have him in the team and around the place. He cheers everyone up and gives good vibes. For me, he’s one of the most important players in the Premier League. He has got everything.
“I’m very glad to be able to play with him and I hope that we can share some good memories together this season.”
United face Brighton on Sunday and defender Victor Lindelof is bidding to finally make an impact.
The Sweden international has struggled to find his feet since joining in a £31m deal from Benfica last year.
Some high-profile mistakes raised doubts about his chances to have a long and successful career at Old Trafford.
But Lindelof is back in favour and hoping to build on his eye-catching display against Leicester.
The 24-year-old star said: “I feel great. I have had a good summer.
“First, I got married and had an amazing time, then I played in the World Cup, which was also a great experience.
“And after a good rest, I’m back here and ready for what’s to come.
“It’s nice to get a good start, it gives you more confidence and you can be more relaxed.”
Lindelof has urged United to build on their opening win and make an early statement of intent to their title rivals. He added: “It’s a very tough, competitive league with a lot of great teams. Every game matters and we will try our best to win them all.
“We have to get that winning mentality in every game, in every situation.
“We have to be 100 per cent in everything that we do.”