He had not played since winning against Newcastle United (4-0). It was December 26th. The meeting came to cap several months of wavering for Paul Pogba, who already at that time had not been tenured since September 30, injury requires.
The Mancunian's ankle, weakened since a first injury in the English Championship in late August, caused him to miss nearly three months of competition in 2019, before a brief return against Watford (2-0 defeat) and a bench trip against Newcastle . Since December 26, Pogba has been forfeited, with the added bonus of an operation in January. Result: only 7 games played for the 2019-2020 season, and barely 5 tenures.
The world champion should have reappeared in mid-March. But that was before the surprise arrival of the Covid-19 epidemic wave, and the three additional months of shutdown that ensued.
"We also want to have this leadership on the ground"
This Friday evening, at 9:15 p.m. against Tottenham, the recovery seems this time definitively established for Paul Pogba. At a press conference on Thursday morning, coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer welcomed the player's return: "Of course, Paul has had a difficult season this year with a lot of injuries, but I can see his mentality and his concentration now that 'he is in shape. He is ready to play again and prove himself. "
The Norwegian technician from MU adding: “He is a World Cup winner and we also want to have this leadership on the field. He always had quality. He is one of the best midfielders in the world, so I hope we can see him as soon as possible. Gradually over the next few months, we can bring it back to its best level. "
Despite the pitfalls of the 2019-2020 season, no one has forgotten in Manchester the prowess of the French international last season. In 2018-2019, Paul Pogba was the top scorer in the Premier League (among midfielders) with 13 goals scored, tied with Icelandic Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton). He also appeared in the Top 3 of best passers, with 9 assists.
His long-awaited association with Bruno Fernandes
This Friday evening's meeting will also be an opportunity to test a promising association: that of the Mancunian and the Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, freshly transferred to the Reds during the last winter transfer window.
The two players were aligned during training in Manchester: a successful combination according to various observers, which Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will achieve this evening, most likely. Bruno Fernandes also rejoiced on English radio a few days ago: "I think everyone is delighted to see Paul Pogba play again. He has been injured for a long time and playing with him will be incredible. Everyone wants to play with the best players and Pogba is one of them. "
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Since his arrival, Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes has already scored 2 goals and 3 assists. A player "who likes to make penetrating passes [...] and take risks" according to the coach of the Reds.
Not a holder against Tottenham
However, Paul Pogba should not be part of the starting lineup for the moment. "Marcus (Editor's note: Rashford) and Paul have been unavailable for a long time, but they are ready, so we will see how long they can play," said Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Thursday morning. Pogba could undoubtedly make his comeback in the second half, flanked by Fernandes, positioned in true support of the French international in the 69 selections.
Last summer, "La Pioche" was thinking of packing its bags. Courted by Real Madrid of Zinedine Zidane or even Juve who has never forgotten it, he had confessed: "I think for me, it might be the right time to have a new challenge [...] I think of having a challenge elsewhere ”. In the end, he stayed at Manchester United. With a new challenge from this evening: that of reconquest.