Mourinho hails Pogba
MANCHESTER. - Jose Mourinho says Paul Pogba has been “phenomenal” for Manchester United this season but refused to answer whether his red card against Arsenal has been appealed.
The French midfielder was influential in United’s 3-1 victory over the Gunners, setting up goals for Antonio Valencia and Jesse Lingard before receiving a straight red with 16 minutes remaining for a lunge on Hector Bellerin.
United had until 1pm yesterday to appeal against the resulting threegame suspension but Mourinho would only say Pogba will start in United’s final Champions League group match against CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford tonight.
“He is not suspended for the Champions League so he plays tomorrow,” Mourinho told reporters.
If Pogba’s suspension holds up, he will have missed 10 of United’s opening 18 Premier League matches, after previously missing seven with a hamstring injury. Despite that, he has still been a big contributor to United’s success with three goals and seven assists in his eight Premier League appearances, and Mourinho is delighted with the 24-year-old’s form in his second season since his record-breaking transfer from Juventus.
“He is very happy to play tomorrow (tonight),” Mourinho said. “It is the next match so it is the match that matters.
“Of course he is a bit tired because it was a huge match last weekend and he has just two days to recover for CSKA but he is very happy to play tomorrow and try to keep his momentum.
“Since he came back from injury he has been phenomenal.”
Luke Shaw also stands a chance of being involved against CSKA after Mourinho confirmed he will be in the match-day squad. With Sunday’s derby against Manchester City looming, Mourinho could be tempted to ring the changes but he is reluctant to do with United still needing a point to be sure of winning Group A.
“I am going to make a few but not too many changes,” Mourinho said. “We haven’t qualified yet. We have not finished first in the group yet.
“There are other clubs also involved in the qualification and I need to keep a certain balance in the team.
“But when you speak about Luke Shaw, you are right. He is working to have an opportunity and sooner or later that opportunity will arrive because deserves it. Selected for tomorrow? Yes for sure. Whether he starts or is on the bench, I cannot answer.” - Sky Sports.