Man Utd news: Paul Pogba thriving because Nemanja Matic has given him freedom - Scholes

PAUL POGBA is flourishing at Manchester United because Nemanja Matic has given him more freedom to go forward.

Paul Pogba leaves Old Trafford on crutches

Those are the thoughts of United legend Paul Scholes.

have got their campaign off to a flyer and are joint top with Manchester City in the Premier League on 16 points.

Last term, Pogba appeared to be more restricted and he was unable to exert much influence in games, but following the arrival of Matic from Chelsea in the summer, United look a greater attacking threat.

United may not have the Frenchman back until November as he picked up a slight hamstring tear in the 3-0 win over Basel earlier this month.

Manchester United midfielder Paul PogbaGETTY

Paul Pogba is facing up to two months on the sidelines

With Matic coming in this year and the other players a year down the road I think we’ll see the improvement

Paul Scholes

But Scholes thinks Pogba looks like a completely different player now and the partnership he has struck with Matic bodes well for the future.

“Obviously before his injury you could see United were winning, and winning quite comfortably,” Scholes said.

“I think the addition of Matic has helped him and given him that bit of freedom - he’s scored a couple of goals already and a couple of assists. 

“He’s playing well and hopefully his injury is not as serious as it could be. 

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja MaticGETTY

Paul Scholes thinks Paul Pogba has benefitted from Nemanja Matic's form

“They have been talking possibly about an operation today but hopefully that’s not the case and he’ll be back soon.

“Last season was tough for him but there was always going to be a settling-in period. 

“There were two or three other players along with him who took a little while to settle down. 

“With Matic coming in this year and the other players a year down the road I think we’ll see the improvement.”

United take on Crystal Palace tomorrow (3pm).

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