Zlatan and Pogba to return for Red Devils

Jose Mourinho expects Zlatan Ibrahimovic to complement rather than compete with Romelu Lukaku after welcoming the striker back to the Manchester United squad, along with Paul Pogba.

Both players make eagerly anticipated returns to United colours against Newcastle today, with Pogba in contention to start after a two-month lay-off and Ibrahimovic among the substitutes for the first time since injuring his cruciate knee ligaments in April.

Defender Marcos Rojo is also restored to the matchday squad, having injured his knee in the same match as Ibrahimovic, but the Argentinean’s return is a minor boost compared to the fanfare surrounding his fit-again team-mates.

United have not been the same force since Pogba was sidelined in October, a fact acknowledged by Mourinho, while Ibrahimovic brought skill, swagger and the small matter of 28 goals in his first season at Old Trafford.

Much has happened since the charismatic Swede last represented the club: his contract officially lapsed in July, a new one was signed in August and Mourinho signed Lukaku for £75 million.

The Belgian scored 11 times in his first 10 appearances but is currently on a barren run of seven games without a goal.

Ibrahimovic’s presence in the dugout may be seen as an added pressure but Mourinho is enthused by the freedom it offers.

“I am excited because I have more options, I am excited because the team can be better, I am excited because I want to have players available,” he said.

“I don’t want to make a situation of Zlatan and Romelu because it can be Zlatan and Romelu, it can be just Zlatan, it can be just Romelu or it can be just no one. I want options and I have more options now in attack

“He (Ibrahimovic) can play everywhere, and this season we played so many times with two strikers. Especially when we played three at the back and the wing backs, we brought the second man to the centre so we can do it, we are ready to do it and we prepare ourselves since pre-season (to do it).

“Is easy, easy. Good players can play together. Is easy to play together. The problem is when the players are not good.”

Meanwhile Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has leapt to the defence of Danny Drinkwater and criticised England boss Gareth Southgate for allowing a furore to erupt over the midfielder declining an international call-up.

Drinkwater, who joined Chelsea from Leicester on the final day of the summer transfer window, is available for today’s Premier League trip to West Brom.

The 27-year-old has been hampered by a calf problem which has limited his competitive action for Chelsea and felt a twinge in training after the draw with Manchester United which led to him rejecting an England call-up for this month’s friendlies with Germany and Brazil on fitness grounds.

Conte cannot fathom why the midfielder was criticised – with some saying his World Cup hopes should now be over – or why Southgate did not call him directly.

“It’s a pity that a player had to pay for this misunderstanding,” Conte said.

“Drinkwater was very honest and he doesn’t deserve to be attacked from the press or from the people because he was very honest.

“In this situation every single player wants to go with the national team. We have to appreciate his behaviour and commitment.”

Arsenal host Tottenham in the north London derby today with Mauricio Pochettino targeting a win over their close rivals to keep the pressure on both Manchester United and leaders Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s men are away to 2015-16 champions Leicester this afternoon, while fifth-placed Liverpool will entertain Southampton.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba are back in the United squad today.