Neville: United duo must prove themselves in big games

Joe Williams

Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera must show they can perform against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City, according to former Manchester United defender Gary Neville.

The midfield duo were praised for their solid and creative performance in the Red Devils’ 4-1 victory over defending Premier League champions Leicester City.

Pogba and Herrera made sure dropped captain Wayne Rooney wasn’t missed, as goals from Chris Smalling, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Pogba secured a crucial victory after losing their previous two Premier League fixtures.

However, Neville has played down the significance of their performance, saying they must show the same standards on a consistent basis.

“It’s too early to say, I don’t think Mourinho will look at that performance and think Pogba and Herrera are his midfield two,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“For Manchester City at home or Liverpool away or Chelsea away, they still have to build up that trust to him, to us, the crowd, that they are good enough to play in these big matches.

“United have got three games in the next six that are against Chelsea, Liverpool and City. In those games Pogba and Herrera, if they are going to play together, can they then go and deliver in the bigger games and against the better opposition?

“When you’ve got [Philippe] Coutinho playing in the hole and pockets behind you, you’ve got [David] Silva, [Kevin] De Bruyne, [Eden] Hazard, Oscar and players like that?

“That’s when the ultimate test will come. But it’s a good start for them today [Saturday]. They took their opportunities.”