Manchester United star Paul Pogba rallies team-mates ahead of Man City clash: 'If I don't believe we can win the title I should stop playing'

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Paul Pogba claimed he might as well retire if there is no belief Manchester City's eight-point lead can be toppled as the Frenchman prepares to act as an auxiliary coach on Sunday.

The Manchester United midfielder, suspended for the derby this weekend after a red card at Arsenal, is planning on being heavily involved in the build-up and on the sidelines.

And he maintained Pep Guardiola's side can be beaten to this season's Premier League title, despite winning 14 of their opening 15 games.

Paul Pogba is confident his side can close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City

The midfielder will serve a three-match suspension for this challenge on Hector Bellerin

'We are still eight points (behind) so with eight points we cannot win the league. We are still behind,' Pogba said.

'If I don't believe I (should) 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.'

Pogba also vowed that United - who boast seven home league wins on the spin with a goal difference of +19 - will attack City from the off.

'We need to,' he added. '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.' 

Jose Mourinho will have to make do without his star midfielder for this weekend's derby match

City, pictured training in Ukraine ahead of their match against Shakhtar, are eight points clear