Is Manchester United's Paul Pogba the new Patrick Viera? - 7M sport

Is Manchester United's Paul Pogba the new Patrick Viera?



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Posted Sunday, August 14, 2011 by Express.co.uk

Is Manchester United's Paul Pogba the new Patrick Viera?
Sir Alex Ferguson hinted that Paul Pogba could make a big impression this season

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the secret behind his longevity – the adrenaline rush provided by successive crops of Manchester United youngsters.

After securing a record 19th title in May, the United boss could be forgiven for putting his feet up, lessening the workload and counting on another £50million foray into the transfer market to repel all invaders.

Instead, Ferguson admitted having an extra spring in his step – believing the latest football graduates from the renowned United academy will flourish and plunder more silverware long after he has departed.

The Scot hinted that an 18-year-old French youngster, 6ft 2in and already being labelled a young Patrick Vieira, could make a big impression this season alongside other emerging talent like Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck.
Paul Pogba was at the centre of a major wrangle between his French club Le Havre and United when the Premier League club made their intentions known about attempting to secure the France Under-16 captain’s future. Le Havre claimed United had poached the midfielder illegally, something United strongly refuted.

Since moving to England two years Pogba has made steady progress in the youth and reserve teams with Ferguson predicting last night: “He could be a surprise for us. I took him to the charity game in Monaco and he played 25 minutes in the second half against Marseille’s first team and he did very well. He got involved right away and I said to myself, he’s not bad.

“He’s a big physical boy. He has a great physique, 6ft 2in, athletic. The new Patrick Vieira? Well he’s the same height. Patrick was a great player but this boy is only 18. Look at Patrick when he was 18, he was playing centre half for Cannes.

“He only emerged as a midfield player at AC Milan. But I believe Pogba has the equipment to be successful. Seeing youngsters like him come through helps me, it helps us all. It’s still one of my biggest thrills to see a youngster coming up through the ranks. The kids are the foundation of the club. I think the foundations are looking good at the moment. This helps to drive me.”

Ferguson has the scalp of Manchester City in the bag following last Sunday’s Community Shield but he still admits to a few butterflies as the defence of the Premier League crown gets under way at West Brom.

“We are all enthusiastic after last week,” he added. “But my mood is still one of trepidation. It’s always the same at the beginning of the season, you are always apprehensive.”

United will still be without Javier Hernandez, who revealed Ferguson, won’t resume training for another week following his concussion during the USA pre-season tour. But his strike partner Wayne Rooney is fit.

“He’s had a good pre-season and is fresh and ready to go. In fact they all are.”
Including a certain young man named Paul Pogba.



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