Pogba wants United to gain their revenge
PAUL POGBA is eyeing revenge and a muchneeded win when Manchester United host high-flying Chelsea.
Today’s Old Trafford encounter promises to be a mouth-watering clash as the Blues home in on the title and Jose Mourinho’s side looks to kick- start their top-four tilt.
The United boss insists there is no added emotion facing former club Chelsea, but this season’s defeat sat Stamford Bridge clearly rankle with the world’s most expensive player.
The Reds bowed out of the FA Cup after a narrow 1-0 loss in the capital last month, compounding a 4-0 league humiliation in October that still sticks in the craw.
“Chelsea have beaten us two times and we don’t want that to happen a third time,” Pogba said.
“They’re playing for the title and, for them, it’s important to win. For us as well, because we’re playing for the top four as well, so it’s going to be a game that’s important for each team.”
United have been unbeaten in 21 league matches since that October humbling, but 10 draws during that run leaves them scrapping for Champions League qualification.
Chelsea’s far superior cutting edge means the leaders are 18 points better off than fifth- placed United, although the west Londoners’ turnaround this season should offer Mourinho’s side hope.
The Portuguese was sacked in December 2015 for the Blues’ dismal title defence, but summer appointment Antonio Conte has brought belief and organisation back to the team.
“They have a great team and ever ybody knows that,” Pogba said.
“They have a manager who pushes them and they have players who want to show the world that Chelsea are still alive.
“Yo u never know what’s going to happen. They’ve done good this season.”
Pogba says the Chelsea players “know exactly what to do” under Conte, having experienced how hard players are drilled on the training ground from his time at Juventus.
Pogba’s admiration for the Italian is as clear as his respect for international team- mate, and weekend midfield rival, N’Golo Kante.
A title winner with Leicester last season, the 26-year-old continues to light up the Premier League with lung- busting displays that this week saw him shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year award.
“Everybody knows that N’Golo Kante can run for 11 players – that’s his best quality,” Pogba added.
“He’s one of the biggest players for Chelsea. He’s everywhere! He’s a big player.”