Gary Neville: How Paul Pogba would have helped Man United expose Man City’s weakness
Man United legend Gary Neville explains how Paul Pogba would have helped to expose the Man City defence next weekend
Gary Neville believes Paul Pogba would have helped Manchester United to expose Manchester City’s weakness at centre-half in next weekend’s derby.
The France international produced an impressive performance in Manchester United’s 3-1 win over title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.
Pogba played a role in Antonio Valencia’s opener before the 25-year-old produced a powerful run to hold off Laurent Koscielny before he teed up Jesse Lingard for the visitors’ third goal.
The Red Devils were dealt a blow in the 74th minute when Pogba was issued with a straight red card for a mistimed challenge on Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin.
The Manchester United record signing has been in excellent form over the past few weeks since his return to Mourinho’s side from suspension.
The 20-time English champions will welcome Premier League leaders Manchester City to Old Trafford in their next top-flight fixture at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Citizens have won 14 of their 15 games in the 2017-18 season so far but question marks remain about Manchester City’s centre-halves with Vincent Kompany and John Stones both out injured.
Former Manchester United defender Neville explained how Pogba’s absence will negatively impact the Red Devils team.
“You think about Pogba, he would beat De Bruyne and Silva with the ball at his feet and break that line,” Neville told his Sky Sports podcast.
“Once you break that line you’re onto the weakness, you’re onto those two centre-backs with Lukaku and Martial.
“City is a big game to not have Pogba. The person who can break the line is gone, but Jose Mourinho will be looking at how he can do it differently.”
