London: Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said on Friday he has “no idea” when Paul Pogba will be available after injury but he expects his squad to cope with the French midfielder's absence.
United hope to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League at Southampton on Saturday but will be without their record signing, who is recovering from a hamstring injury suffered against Basel in the Champions League earlier this month.
When asked in a news conference whether a time-frame was decided for Pogba's return, Mourinho replied: “I have no idea. But, again, it's a great opportunity for other players to play and I trust them all.
“So I'm not going to cry or be counting the days until Pogba comes back, not at all. When he comes back, welcome, but until then, I trust my people.”
Mourinho could hand a first league start to Michael Carrick or bring in Spaniard Ander Herrera in the lineup should he choose to play a three-man midfield at St Mary's.
The weekend’s clash against Mauricio Pellegrino’s side kicks off a run of six games out of seven on the road for United, but Mourinho is calm about the challenges ahead.
“It is difficult, but it means it's going to be easier later,” said the Portuguese.
United have been in top goal-scoring form this season, finding the net 23 times in the last seven matches in all competitions.
French forward Anthony Martial scored four of them and has impressed Mourinho with his upturn in form this season.
“I see a great improvement in the person, in the mood, in the face, in the body language -- if you want just a word, in the happiness,” Mourinho added.“I am very pleased with his attitude overall and then it's easier to play well.”
Mourinho believes the key to United’s success has been his forwards playing with a more positive attitude this season. “I think everybody in attacking areas gave a good dynamic to the team and especially happiness. The boys look happy playing football in this moment and that’s what I want,” he said.
Only Manchester City have been able to match United’s goal blitz, with Pep Guardiola’s side sitting above Mourinho’s men on alphabetical order after compiling an identical record. City host bottom-of-the-table Crystal Palace on Saturday as Argentine striker Sergio Aguero tries to become the club’s record goalscorer.
Aguero’s tally of 175 City goals is just two behind the 78-year-old record of 177 set by Eric Brook. Given Palace’s dismal form — they have made the worst ever start to an English top-flight season with five defeats and no goals — it would be little surprise if Aguero reaches Brook’s haul on Saturday.
Chelsea head to Stoke on Saturday aiming to keep pace with City and United. Last weekend’s goalless draw against Arsenal left the third-placed champions three points adrift of the early pace-setters.
(Agencies)
