Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea has knocked back claims that his old side are better off without Paul Pogba.
Fans, pundits and former players have all taken aim at Pogba in recent months, despite the French World Cup winner having made just eight appearances for the Reds this season due to ongoing injury problems.
United’s win over Derby on Thursday night extended their unbeaten run to nine games and, although some pundits and fans believe the Old Trafford club are better off without Pogba, O’Shea believes his return to action would hand his old side a much-needed boost in their quest for Champions League football.
“There are definitely good signs,” the former Republic of Ireland international told talkSPORT of United's upturn in form.“Obviously Fernandes has had that desired impact and Ighalo seems to have found his feet.
“There are good signs but there’s still a lot to do, a lot to improve on.
“You bring Pogba back into that mix and there are good signs ahead.
“He’s had a couple of operations and he’s back on the training pitch now, and he could hopefully play a big part in United closing the gap on Chelsea to get to the top four, and that would be a huge impact."
O'Shea also recalled the time he spent with Pogba at United several years ago.
“I remember Paul in the youth team and coming into the first team, and he’s a decent fella," O'Shea said. “Behind the scenes he works brilliantly in the gym, he’s a good character, he drives other players on.”
