Jose Mourinho has challenged Paul Pogba to prove he deserves to start against Liverpool next week.
The Manchester United midfielder was dropped for the third time in four games in Saturday’s 4-1 win against Fulham – but will be part of a much-changed side for Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Valencia.
Mourinho has told the £89m man he can force his way back into his plans for the crunch game at Anfield, but must prove he is a “fantastic player” in Spain.
Pogba was an unused substitute as United ended a run of four Premier League games without a win against Fulham.
And following reports Mourinho had accused the World Cup winner of being a ‘virus’ following last week’s draw with Southampton, the United’s manager said: “He has to play with the same mentality as the team is playing. Paul can be a fantastic player, he has the potential to be a fantastic player.
“Against Valencia he is going to start and have a fantastic football game to play and to show everybody how good he is.”
It was telling that Mourinho heaped praise on Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic for dominating midfield in a hugely encouraging win.
And after repeatedly telling his players to simplify their game, he added that Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard provided the type of quick passing he’s been demanding all season.
“You have teams that are positionally good, ready to press and with a desire to press and I think these two boys Matic and Herrera have a really strong mentality. It is the way they play football to play at the top of their level and then the people in front of them were good also.
“I’m not going to mention everybody, but Mata and Lingard - one touch, two touch, good decisions fast decisions.
“The team was a good combination of qualities.
“What I really want is for not a single United fan to point the finger at us by saying we do not give everything. It is the type of performance that people respect.”
