The news Manchester United fans have been waiting months to hear has finally arrived.
Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are fully fit, and will be included in Manchester United’s squad for Saturday’s clash with Newcastle, according to manager Jose Mourinho.
Along with the duo, Marcos Rojo is also available for selection for Saturday’s return to the Premier League.
“All three selected for the match,” said Mourinho. “Paul, you can clearly see Manchester United this season before Paul’s injury and after Paul’s injury.”
Manchester United have struggled since Pogba went down with a hamstring injury, but a return to form could be on the horizon.
"“There are qualities in our football that influence our approach in matches, with Pogba and without Pogba, that’s as simple as that,” added Mourinho."
The Old Trafford faithful will be delighted with this news, as two of the team’s biggest stars could finally return to the pitch.
Every game out is seemingly a must-win game, given the form of Manchester City. For United to push for the title, three points from every match must be the expectation. And with Pogba back, that will be much more achievable.
Pogba was showing why he was the one-time record signing to start the year. The 24-year old averaged an 8.09 rating through the first four league games this campaign.
The United midfield has been slow, sloppy, and lacking that creative touch. Pogba will certainly change that with his return.
Ibrahimovic will be welcomed back as well. The veteran striker carried Manchester United last year, and he’s made an incredible recovery following his knee injury in April.
"“Zlatan, last season we played with him every minute almost until he was injured, this season we learn how to play without him,” said Mourinho.“Of course, incredible personality to fight such an important injury. We were all saying in 2017 he will be back, but one thing is Dec. 31 2017 and another thing is mid-November.”"
Marcos Rojo will also be welcomed back, as United’s defense has been shaky as of late.
But the spotlight will be on the two icons of the club: Pogba and Ibrahimovic.
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They’re world-class players with game-changing capabilities.
Sure, Zlatan won’t have the same role as last season, but he will still be able to impact the games in which he features.
Mourinho even hinted at the possibility of the Swede playing with Lukaku.
“Good players can play together. Is easy to play together,” he added.
This is fantastic news for Manchester United. Just when it looked like City could run away with the league, they’ve been thrown a life-line.
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If Pogba can help United recapture that early season form, there’s no telling what this team can do. And be assured, Zlatan wants to make this a title race.
“I said I will come back to finish what I started,” the Big Swede stated.