Jose Mourinho says Paul Pogba has been “phenomenal” for Manchester United this season.
The French midfielder was influential in United’s 3-1 victory over the Gunners, setting up goals for Antonio Valencia and Jesse Lingard before receiving a straight red with 16 minutes remaining for a lunge on Hector Bellerin.
United had until 1pm on Monday to appeal against the resulting three-game suspension but Mourinho would only say Pogba will start in United’s final Champions League group match against CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
United have accepted the resulting three-match suspension, declining to lodge an appeal with the Premier League, meaning Pogba will sit out 10 of United’s opening 18 Premier League matches, after previously missing seven with a hamstring injury.
Despite that, he has still been a big contributor to United’s success with three goals and seven assists in his eight Premier League appearances, and Mourinho is delighted with the 24-year-old’s form in his second season since his record-breaking transfer from Juventus.
“He is very happy to play tomorrow,” Mourinho said. “It is the next match so it is the match that matters.
“Of course he is a bit tired because it was a huge match last weekend and he has just two days to recover for CSKA but he is very happy to play tomorrow and try to keep his momentum.
“Since he came back from injury he has been phenomenal.”
Luke Shaw also stands a chance of being involved against CSKA after Mourinho confirmed he will be in the match-day squad.
