Jose Mourinho warns Manchester United fans not to expect too much from £89m world record man Paul Pogba
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Paul Pogba is likely to make his first appearance since rejoining the club in a world record transfer against Southampton tonight.
But Mourinho warned United supporters not to expect too much from the £89m midfielder, insisting Pogba is still to acclimatise and reach peak condition ahead of the first Friday match of the Premier League season.
“He needs time to build his condition and his understanding in the way the team tries to play,” said the United boss, who is set for his first competitive match in Old Trafford’s home dugout.
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“Yes, he’s ready to play. Ninety minutes? I don’t believe. Super performance? I don’t believe. But in condition to accelerate his process of integration in the team, that’s for sure.”
Southampton have won on their last two trips to United and Mourinho called on his new club’s fans to contribute to making their home an intimidating venue once again.
“If at Old Trafford a couple of thousand away opponents can be more noisy than 70-something thousand then we are in trouble. It means that there is no connection between the team and supporters,” he added.
“If there is connection, I think that factor of being really strong at home has to be back. If the fans feel that connection, they want also to play, and if the fans play then there's no chance for the opponent.”