Jose Mourinho has said that record signing Paul Pogba will play “some minutes” of Friday night’s clash with Southampton.
Jose Mourinho before United’s match with Bournemouth
Jose Mourinho was speaking at a pre-match press conference earlier today in anticipation of his first competitive match at Old Trafford, and discussed whether Paul Pogba would play some part in Friday night’s clash with Southampton.
Referring to the French midfielder’s physical condition, Mourinho said: “We played against Leicester with players with less training than him and we saw that match as a way to improve them.”
The managed also remarked that the new signing had fitted back into the club seamlessly, having left Old Trafford in 2012.
Mourinho said: “He has adapted really easily because he knows the club, knows everybody. He has no need to have time to adapt, but he’ll need time to build his condition and his understanding of how the team plays and how he’ll fit in with that.”
Pogba during his first spell with the Red Devils
In response to the comments, United fans took to Twitter with the majority hoping to see their record signing in action sooner rather than later, and that Pogba will be given his first start on Friday night.
Mourinho also praised the performances of new signing Eric Bailly.
The Ivorian centre-back arrived from Villarreal for £30 million in the summer, and has been awarded the Man of the Match award both in the Community Shield victory over Leicester and the 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
Man of the Match Eric Bailly lifting the FA Community Shield
Speaking about Bailly, Mourinho said: “He is a young boy playing in a completely different competition with a different club, but despite all the pressure and expectation that comes with playing for United, he…is comfortable, leading and communicative.”
Bailly may be joined by first-choice central defender Chris Smalling for the visit of Southampton. Having been unavailable thus far this season through injury and suspension, Mourinho told the press conference that the England defender is fit and available for selection.
United fans will be pleased to see Smalling back in the red jersey
Amid rumours that United may be looking to sign Raphael Varane, Jose Fonte and Gabriel Barbosa, Mourinho was asked for his take on any transfers the club may be seeking to make.
He replied: “The market is open until 31 August, but I am very happy with the players I have. I keep saying that I don’t talk about players from other clubs.”
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