Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to hand Paul Pogba a first-team debut in the Carling Cup and will consider several other promising reserves for the trip to Leeds.
The boss plans to integrate Pogba into his squad this term after he had a taste of senior action in Paul Scholes' testimonial, coming as a substitute for the retiring legend.
"Pogba's in the first-team training set-up now," he told Inside United when asked how much he planned to use the France Under-19 midfielder. "So that's the first step.
"After that, it'll likely depend on when we decide to make changes. He'll probably be involved in the League Cup and that'll be his chance to establish himself in the squad."
Pogba, speaking to French magazine 10 Foot whilst away on international duty, feels he is getting closer to realising a dream of playing at the top level.
"Every day I’m aiming for the first team," he stressed. "Sir Alex gave me confidence by picking me for the pre-season game against Marseille in August. So I know I’m on the right track.
"Everyone at the club is great – they look after young players well. We have a laugh and there’s a special atmosphere."
When asked by Inside United about any other youngsters who could be blooded at Elland Road, the boss name-checked five reserve-teamers although the high-profile nature of the draw may end up calling for a more senior starting XI.
"There are a few players who have done well," Sir Alex replied, speaking before the Reds came out of the hat to travel to Yorkshire.
"Will and Michael Keane, Ezekiel Fryers, Larnell Cole, Jesse Lingard - these boys are all good, young players who are making the right progress."
Source: http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Sep/paul-pogba-aiming-for-united-first-team.aspx?pageNo=1
Pogba Nearing First Team Debut
posted on 8/9/11
Unitedredmacca I understand what you're saying and I agree with you to an extent. It's hard for me to say because unfortunately I don't live in Manchester or hav the money right now to get down for games. In retrospect it's easy for me to say this when I'm not parting with £50 but I think even if I was a season ticket holder I would still want to see the youngsters because they offer something that the older lot don't, the excitement and the element of surprise of what they can do. Fair enough in recent years we haven't had the greatest batch, but now with the latest group of players including our young defence, the likes of macheda, welbeck and diouf up front to go alongside the possibilities of pogba and co, we have a much more exciting group of players to play in the carling cup games so hopefully you'll get more for your money. It's one thing to watch them for reserves but it's a whole new ball game watching them step out on the old Trafford turf. There's no air in the world I prefer to breathe in than the air at old Trafford, you dont realise how much i miss it
posted on 8/9/11
Aquantom you're right, do you know of any good links I could watch the match? I don't have mutv anymore
posted on 8/9/11
nah mate - i've still got mutv so i usually catch the games on there
id jsut google ti or soemthing
posted on 8/9/11
the main thing this year is that I beleive the reserves or youngsters comming through will perform better than the likes of bebe, and obertan
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The problem is though.... Obertan was arguably the best player for the reserves last season... He looked amazing in alot of games and if he hadn't already made some 1st team appearances, people would have been going crazy about him.
This highlights the gulf in quality fro reserves to 1st team, so I am not gonna get too excited until the youngsters start getting 1st team action, even if it is against lower league opposition in the CC.
posted on 8/9/11
Saw Paul Pogba in a few reserve games. I must say he looks fantastic and I would love to have him on loan at Blackburn.
posted on 8/9/11
I'm sorry but I think he's too good to loan out
posted on 8/9/11
But we need midfielders! He would be better off playing first team for us than in the reserves for you.
posted on 8/9/11
Have morrison, he's really good
posted on 8/9/11
I've heard he's a bit of a gangster. We've just got rid of one moron, wouldn't want another.
posted on 8/9/11
lol I think his troubles have been greatly exaggerated. Don't get me wrong, he has had his runnings with the law but I think he's better now and would be good for you lot if you want him. Lol we're talking as if we're setting up the deal