Southampton: Pogba to feature; youngster targets third Old Trafford win; Clasie could leave

By grvadmin

The world’s most expensive player is ready to face the Saints later on today, according to Jose Mourinho.

In his press conference yesterday, Mourinho said that new £89 million signing Paul Pogba is ready to feature for Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow.

“He’s a boy from here, he knows the club, he knows everybody, he doesn’t need time to adapt, but he does need time to build his condition and his understanding in the way the team plays.

I think, yes, he’s ready to play, but 90 minutes? I don’t believe. A super performance? I don’t believe. But in conditions to accelerated his process of integration, that’s for sure.”

Pogba recently re-signed for United after leaving the club four years ago for a compensation fee of £800,000.

Regarded by many as one of the most complete midfielders in the world, he’ll surely provide stiff opposition for Claude Puel’s side, but his short time at the club could prove a blessing to Southampton.

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Meanwhile, youngster Matt Targett is confident that the Saints can pull off a victory at Old Trafford because of their form at the ground.

Southampton have won in each of their last two visits to the Red Devils, both games finishing 1-0.

Targett played in their most recent victory over the Manchester side, and spoke to the club’s YouTube channel about the game.

“It was a special day,” said the young left back. “Not many teams go to Old Trafford and beat them 1-0 two seasons on the bounce. We know it’s going to be very difficult this year. They’ve signed some very good players, but as a team if we play to our level I think we can beat them again.

Talking about the recent history of the fixture, the 20-year-old said: “I think it will give us a massive confidence boost, knowing that we’ve beaten them for the last two seasons, but we know each season and each game is going to be different, but hopefully we can get a positive result.”

Southampton go into the game confident that Jose Fonte will return at the heart of defence, and fans will be hoping Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will replicate the form he showed on his debut.

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The arrival of Hojbjerg could force Dutch midfielder Jordy Clasie out of the club, with Galatasaray looking to pounce, according to rumours in the Turkish media.

Clasie arrived at the club for around £8 million last summer in a reunion with Ronald Koeman, after the manager gave him his breakthrough at Feyenoord, but is rumoured to have fallen out of contention for starting places with Claude Puel’s new arrival.

The combative midfielder is a strong tackler while also proficient at recycling possession with accurate passing, yet is generally regarded as a downgrade to the similar Hojbjerg.

The potential emergence of youngster Harrison Reed could also push Clasie further down the pecking order at St Marys.

The Dutchman still has four years remaining on his current contract, so Galatasaray may need to dig deep into their pockets to sign the midfielder.

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Will also writes for Football Ticket Net, his choice for Southampton tickets