Phil Neville tips Man Utd for Premier League title challenge next season

Phil Neville has tipped his old club Man Utd to challenge for the Premier League title next season - but believes Paul Pogba holds the key.

The Frenchman is set to return to action for United's first match back against Tottenham on Friday following injury.

So far this season Pogba has graced the field on just eight occasions, with his latest injury problem keeping him out since Boxing Day.

Since then Bruno Fernandes has gone some way to fill the void left by United's star man, and Neville is enthusiatic for the future of the club, providing they can utlisise both players to maximum effect.

He said: "I think they can play together. I think Pogba has got the ability to play a little bit deeper or a little bit higher, and he can go box-to-box.

Neville says Pogba is the key to United's future (Eamonn and James Clarke)

"I think they've got the players now where Pogba can fit in. It's easy for people to say 'get rid of Pogba', but actually, have they built a team around him yet that enables him to perform?

"The criticism he gets... United lose and it's Pogba's fault, United win but Pogba doesn't play well and it's Pogba's fault. Maybe now with Fernandes, it takes a bit of that pressure away, and you might see an improvement."

Rashford arrives at training on the day the Government backed his campaign (Eamonn and James Clarke)

United return with a top four spot in their sights, as well as silverware in both the FA Cup and Europa League.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has managed to overcome some early season struggles to put his side back in contention, with just three points separating United and fourth-place Chelsea.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer smiles on his way into Carrington (Eamonn and James Clarke)

And with Pogba back to full fitness, Neville is confident United can build on whatever they achieve in the remaining games going into next season.

"Pogba playing well will give Manchester United a better chance of winning the Premier League," he added.

Bruno Fernandes offers a wave as he enters the training ground (Eamonn and James Clarke)

"When I see United playing well with Pogba in the team I think he's world-class. He's won the World Cup, he knows how to win.

"With Pogba in the team playing well, it gives United a good chance of challenging Liverpool and Manchester City."

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