Juan Mata warns Man United’s rivals that duo’s return is huge title boost
The Manchester United midfielder hails the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba
Juan Mata believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba’s return is a huge boost to Manchester United.
The Red Devils were 4-1 winners against Newcastle United at Old Trafford to make a swift return to winning ways.
Paul Pogba teed up Anthony Martial for Manchester United’s equaliser before the France international scored his third Premier League goal of the season.
Former Sweden international Ibrahimovic made his first appearance since April as a second-half substitute at Old Trafford.
The 36-year-old will vie with summer signing Romelu Lukaku for a starting spot in Jose Mourinho’s team for the rest of the 2017-18 campaign.
Manchester United are eight points adrift of current leaders Manchester City after 12 games to leave the Red Devils with some serious ground to make up.
However, Mata believes the return of Ibrahimovic and Pogba is a major boost for the title challengers.
“The more that we are fit to play the better for everyone,” Mata told ESPN FC.
“Zlatan and Paul are experienced players, top players and they give us a lot of things on and off the pitch. It’s a big boost for us.”
Manchester United finished in sixth place in the Premier League table last season.
However, Pogba and Ibrahimovic both played important roles in helping Manchester United to win the Europa League and the League Cup.
The Red Devils are level on points with third-placed Tottenham Hotspur in the title race.
Manchester United have lost to Huddersfield Town and Chelsea in the 2017-18 season.
