Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba would 'stop playing' if he thought Manchester City were unstoppable

Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers

Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice

Paul Pogba has insisted that Manchester United can catch neighbours Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table and if he thought otherwise, he would retire.

The midfielder is unable to play in Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford following his sending off in his side’s victory at Arsenal last weekend.

Second-placed United currently sit eight points behind leaders City, who have only dropped two points from their 15 league games so far this season.

Pogba, however, is not ready to concede the title yet and believes that, even though he will be absent, his team-mates can cut City’s lead down on Sunday.

“If I don't believe [United can catch City], I stop playing football now. They need to win because they know that we are behind and we are closing and closing.

“Unfortunately I won't play but I will be there to help the team mentally. I need to be there to boost the team and hopefully it will help.

“Manchester City against Manchester United has always been a big, big derby. One city, two clubs.

“It's going to be a big atmosphere in the stadium and a big game with a big team and big players so that's the game you want to play. I have complete trust in the team.”

Jose Mourinho has been known to play conservatively against fellow top sides but, given City’s lead and last weekend’s thrilling 3-1 win at the Emirates, Pogba is confident the United manager will set his team up to play on the front foot.

“We need to [attack],” he said. “To win those game you need to give everything. You need to be there offensively, defensively.

“Kill the game when you have one chance because they have quality as well in front and they can kill the game at any time.

“They are first for good reason because they have been doing great. They keep winning and they didn't lose one game and obviously mentally they are very strong. We need to be as good as they are mentally.”