France boss Didier Deschamps sends message to Manchester United over latest Paul Pogba injury
Speaking in a press conference, via Goal (h/t Manchester Evening News), France boss Didier Deschamps stated that Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba needed more time to return to his best after his last injury.
The 28-year-old only recently returned to fitness following a 6-week long thigh injury. He came on as a second-half substitute against AC Milan in the 2nd leg of the UEFA Europa League last-16 to score the decisive goal.
Pogba then started in the FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Leicester City before reporting for international duty with France. Deschamps did not start the midfielder in their qualifying game against Ukraine.
The former Juventus man came on as a 63rd-minute substitute as France went on to draw the game 1-1. Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring for Les Bleus but Presnel Kimpembe’s own goal cancelled it out.
Patience is the key
And the French manager thinks that Pogba is yet to return to his best form after his last injury. He stated that the minutes against Ukraine will help the United star.
“He is not at his best, obviously… These 30 minutes are good for him. Like any player who returns from an injury, it will take time… He needs game time to perfect his physical condition.”
Deschamps also mentioned that the time Pogba had on the pitch against the Yellow and Blue coincided with the rest of the team not playing their best football. France still have two more games to play before the international break ends.
They will face Kazakhstan on March 28 before taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday.
More Manchester United News:
- Uruguay coach talks up Edinson Cavani and his national team future
- Manchester United may not have the transfer budget to get across Jadon Sancho deal in the summer
- Sergio Romero could have his wife standing between him and a Manchester United exit
Pogba would be hoping that he plays a part for both France and United would also benefit from their star man getting the minutes at the international level in order to return to his best form.