Ralf Rangnick has welcomed the return of Paul Pogba after the Manchester United midfielder rejoined first-team training.
Pogba has not featured since the Champions League draw with Atalanta in early November as a result of a hamstring injury picked up on international duty, but the 28-year-old is closing in on a return after resuming training with the main group this week.
Rangnick has revealed he will take a patient approach with the France international, though admitted his delight with Pogba’s return and that he will soon be able to call on the midfielder for the first time since his appointment as interim manager.
“Paul Pogba had his first day of training with the whole group yesterday,” Rangnick said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Red Devils’ clash with Brentford tomorrow.
“He showed what kind of extraordinary player he can be.
“He will not be available for the two games this week, but hopefully after the break when we have the cup game against Middlesbrough and the away game at Burnley, I think he could be an option.”
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Pogba’s longer-term future remains uncertain with the midfielder out of contract at the end of the season, with a number of Europe’s leading clubs monitoring his situation ahead of a free transfer move.
Rangnick refused to comment on whether Pogba will sign a new deal but says the star is very much ‘present’ as the club look to enjoy a strong second half of the season.
“I don’t know. I cannot answer the second part of your question because it’s not me dealing with this, I’m not negotiating about future contracts with players,” he added.
“But what you could see from the very first day in training yesterday is that he’s present. He’s physically present, he’s mentally present.
“What I saw in training yesterday was very promising for the future and I’m very much looking forward to having him available in two weeks’ time after the international break, and I think he will be a serious candidate for the first XI.”
