Lesser Neville: Four United players improved by Pogba

Phil Neville says Paul Pogba frees up four Manchester United players to express themselves when he’s in the side.

The £89million midfielder arrived back at United in the summer of 2016 and he has developed into United’s MVP; he is unbeaten in 14 months in the Premier League.

The France star is back in contention having completed a three-match suspension for his red card at Arsenal, having only just returned from a serious thigh problem.

The 24-year-old sat out seven league games through injury and three through suspension and all three of the games United have lost have come with Pogba missing.

And Neville knows the importance of Pogba to United, and the impact he has on the other players.

“When I see Manchester United without Paul Pogba I see a team which goes from one who can swat away teams by three or four goals to one that’s workmanlike,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“Pogba is a leader in what he does. He makes United more enjoyable to watch and he frees up the attacking players with his understanding with Lukaku, Lingard, Martial and Rashford.

“As a forward he gives you that spark and arrogance. When he doesn’t play it becomes more predictable and his unpredictability when United play is really important.

“Lukaku enjoys playing with Pogba and hopefully that will help improve his mood.”