Manchester Evening News

UNITED SPECIAL

- Sport@men-news.co.uk @MENSports

PAUL Pogba has suggested he will find his best form for United if he is ‘comfortabl­e and happy.’

The France internatio­nal produced some of his finest displays in helping his country to World Cup glory in Russia, leading fans to question why he can’t replicate the same form in a Reds’ shirt.

The midfielder has hinted at a frosty relationsh­ip with Jose Mourinho - and after the win against Leicester he suggested more backing from the United boss off the pitch could push him on in his performanc­es.

“You have to know one thing - a player that gets chosen and is happy, you always feel more comfortabl­e than when he’s not happy,” said Pogba.

“That’s all I say. After the World Cup I am the same. I am the same. It’s the same Paul Pogba. It’s a different team, obviously. I still enjoying playing football, I still love football and I still give my best with the team, for the team. Like I said, when you are comfortabl­e, when people trust you and have confidence then you are good in your own head and it’s going to be easier.”

The response prompted the question as to whether Pogba, who has been linked with moves to Barcelona and Juventus this summer, is ‘happy and comfortabl­e’ at United.

“There are things that I cannot say, otherwise I will get fined,” Pogba said crypticall­y.

Despite all the discussion about his off-the-field ‘issues’, the midfielder explained it would not have an impact on his performanc­es.

“I always give my best for the fans, for the team-mates and for the people that trust me,” he said. “With the players we have, of course we’re Manchester United, we have to look at the top of the league. That’s obvious.

“I mean, Manchester United, we have to show on the pitch, we have to play well, we have to be focused and we need people to trust us.”

The 25-yearold scored the Reds’ first goal of the new Premier League season from the penalty spot just two minutes into the game and admitted he was impressed with his team-mates as United recorded their first three points of the new season. Pogba played alongside Andreas Pereira and Fred in a midfield three for the first time and was pleased with the performanc­e of his new team-mates. “Andreas [Pereira] has been playing very well in pre-season, I saw it, and Fred came in and did great,” added Pogba. “I saw the ability and they’re two great players. Andreas is younger but has the quality and the personalit­y to play in the Premier League. “Fred came in and, for his first game, did great. It’s his first game and you know you have to adapt. It’s not easy. “He’s done a great job in the win.” Pogba also explained it was an honour to be handed the captain’s armband after he led United out against Leicester. Mourinho called on him with club captain Antonio Valencia sidelined with a calf injury. The United boss played down the importance of who would be given the armband for the new season, Paul Pogba

 ??  ?? Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho
Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho

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