Gary Neville: How Paul Pogba’s suspension will impact Man United for Man City derby
The Man United legend admits Paul Pogba will be a big miss for Jose Mourinho against Man City in the derby
Gary Neville has admitted that Paul Pogba’s suspension is a blow to Manchester United ahead of their home clash against Manchester City next Sunday.
The Red Devils will welcome the Premier League leaders to Old Trafford as Jose Mourinho’s side look to reduce the deficit to five points in the title race.
Pogba produced an impressive performance in the opening 75 minutes at The Emirates following big contributions in Antonio Valencia’s opener and Jesse Lingard’s second goal.
The Manchester United club-record signing produced a moment of magic to shrug off the attention of Laurent Koscielny and tee up Lingard to make it 3-1.
However, Pogba’s afternoon ended on a sour note when the France international received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin.
Former Manchester United defender Neville believes the 25-year-old midfielder would have had a big impact against title favourites Manchester City.
“Pogba makes a big, big difference. So when they went to Anfield, they couldn’t connect the deep defence to the midfield and into attack,” Neville told his Sky Sports podcast.
“He connects that, he links it, with those runs forward and his composure on the ball.
“It was a cloud over a very good day for United because he is such an important player in the connection between the front and the back.”
Pogba has scored three goals and has made four assists in eight appearances in the Premier League so far this season.
Manchester United haven’t won the title since 2013 but re-signed Pogba to help transform the Red Devils into title challengers.
The 20-time English champions finished in sixth place last term but won the Europa League and the League Cup.
