Manchester United: Paul Pogba could return against Spurs
Paul Pogba has not played for United since the end of September but he is nearly back to fitness and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to see him back next month.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer views Paul Pogba's imminent return to first team action as being almost like a new signing for Manchester United and hopes the midfielder could be ready to face Tottenham on Wednesday. Pogba has been sidelined with an ankle injury since September and had to wear a cast and then a protective boot. His last appearance for United was in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on 30 September. He has missed 11 games since then and has spent time in Dubai undergoing warm-weather training to help his recovery, having played just six times in all competitions for United this season.
United host Spurs on Wednesday
Solskjaer is excited to have the midfielder back at his disposal and, while Sunday's visit of Aston Villa will come too soon for Pogba, the United manager would not rule out the prospect of having the player back to face former boss José Mourinho and his Tottenham side next Wednesday.
"Paul is stepping up his recovery and let's see how soon he'll be match-fit and available," Solskjaer said following a youthful United side's 2-1 Europa League defeat to Astana on Thursday. "He'll be like a new signing for us. He's not really been able to play for us and, when we get him back, it'll be like a new world-class signing and world-class midfielder. We want him back as soon as possible. Sunday? No. Spurs? I can't say now as I've not been home and seen him. Let's see where he's at when he comes back and he starts training with us. Nobody can doubt his professionalism, his willingness or desire to play football. He's a footballer and one of the best midfielders in the world. It will be like a new signing before the transfer window opens. Of course, we have missed him when he's been away but some of the players, Scott [McTominay] and Fred, have taken up that challenge and done well."
McTominay nearing return
Solskjaer also hopes to see Scott McTominay back to fitness in the coming days following an ankle injury which has kept him sidelined for the past two games. "We hope Scotty will be back as soon as possible, but he's also back home and I've not see him," the coach added. "Maybe [he can face] Spurs, but hopefully [he will be back on] Sunday."