The new Manchester United manager provided a couple of squad updates a day before their match against Southampton.
Jose Mourinho tells MUTV that the last of his four summer signings will make his debut for the club against Southampton. Paul Pogba joined the Red Devils earlier this month but has yet to play due to fitness and being suspended for the Premier League opener.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mourinho told reporters Pogba has adapted easily at Old Trafford because of his familiarity with the club.
“He has no need to have time to adapt, but he’ll need time to build his condition and his understanding of how the team plays and how he’ll fit in with that,” Mourinho said.
Mourinho on Pogba: "He is ready to play. Ninety minutes I don't believe." #UEL pic.twitter.com/r7i68qRQy1
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) August 18, 2016
In case you haven’t heard, Pogba rejoined United for a world-record fee worth about £89 million. He spent the last few years with Juventus, winning multiple trophies. Whatever amount of minutes he plays, fans will be happy to see him back in a red shirt.
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Mourinho also hinted that Zlatan Ibrahimović may be playing in that same red shirt past this season. He added that the Swede is happy, and everything from integrating and his house are fine.
“He has a very high motivation, so I see him here, no doubts, for the next two years,” said Mourinho.
As for transfers, the United boss stayed fairly quiet on the subject. He said the market is still open until the end of the month, but is happy with the squad he has. He reiterated that he doesn’t like to speak about players while they’re with other clubs.
Mourinho went on to say that the Red Devils, along with help from the fans, can bring the fear factor back to Old Trafford. You can watch his comments in the tweet below.
Speaking to the media on #MUTVHD, Jose Mourinho says he's sure #MUFC can bring the fear factor back to Old Trafford. https://t.co/y89PiSLpbh
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 18, 2016
Lastly, Mourinho confirmed that Chris Smalling is fit to play. The defender was unavailable for the first game because of suspension.
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Smalling was arguably one of United’s best players last season, despite an own goal in the final league game and getting sent off in the FA Cup final.
Depending on how it plays out, Mourinho’s final product may be on display against Southampton. But whatever happens, the atmosphere at Old Trafford should be full of excitement.