Pogba could be fit to face old foe Jose
PAUL POGBA could make his comeback from injury for Manchester United against his old foe Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho’s return to Old Trafford as new manager of Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday morning (NZ time) was always going to be a spicy affair. United sacked Mourinho last December when the team were sixth in the Premier League. The Portuguese head coach is on good terms with the United supporters, but often fell out with the club’s board and French midfielder Pogba.
Mourinho felt Pogba’s ego grew out of control and stripped the midfielder of captaincy duties last September. He complained to the United board that Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, was trying to secure a transfer away from Old Trafford behind the club’s back. On Thursday, Pogba returned to Manchester from Miami, where he was undergoing treatment for an ankle injury he aggravated in September. When asked if the midfielder could play against Aston Villa tomorrow, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the United manager, said: ‘‘He won’t be fit, but Spurs? I can’t say now because I’ve not been home and seen him but let’s see where he’s at when he comes back and starts training with us. We want him back as soon as possible.’’
Pogba, 26, has chosen to undertake his rehabilitation in warmer climes, heading to Dubai earlier this month before flying to Florida just over a week ago. He caused consternation in a section of United’s fan base when he was filmed playing basketball – some thought it would damage his ankle – but he has been putting in the hard yards in the gym. United
have received daily updates from the fitness coaches with whom Pogba has been working in America and are satisfied with his progress.
Solskjaer denied claims made in Spain that Pogba is taking his recovery slowly as he wants to push through a transfer to Real Madrid.
‘‘Every player is allowed to be injured and Paul is working hard to be back,’’ Solskjaer said.
‘‘No-one can doubt his professionalism, his willingness or his desire to play.’’
Pogba’s return is timely for United, who are ninth and nine points adrift of the top four in his absence. Three days after facing Spurs, United take on arch-rivals Manchester City.
Midfielder Scott McTominay is ahead of schedule in his recovery from his ankle injury in the win over Brighton & Hove Albion three weeks ago.
THE TIMES