Manchester United manager benches Pogba for second game running

 

Jose Mourinho has benched Manchester United club-record signing Paul Pogba for the second match running.

 

Pogba was dropped by Mourinho in Wednesday’s midweek draw with Arsenal as Mourinho pursued players that brought greater intensity and desire to United’s play.

 

Given the quick turnaround between matches, it was thought Pogba would return to the starting XI against 20th-place Fulham on Saturday.

 

However, Mourinho has instead stuck with Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic in midfield and brought in Juan Mata in place of Eric Bailly to improve United’s attack.

 

Romelu Lukaku was also dropped against Arsenal but has regained his place in the starting XI after Anthony Martial failed to shake off an injury picked up against the Gunners.

 

United are boosted by the return of Ashley Young, who missed out in midweek through suspension, while 20-year-old right-back Diogo Dalot starts successive Premier League matches.

 

 

Luke Shaw has recovered from injury but is only fit enough for a place on the bench and is joined by £52m summer signing Fred, who Mourinho claimed on Friday won’t start matches until United’s defence improves.

 

This is simply a must-win match for United, who have a chance to cut the gap between themselves and fourth to five points with Chelsea due to host league leaders Manchester City on Saturday evening.

 

Fulham have only picked up one point on their travels all season and have failed to score in five of their last six away league matches.