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Tag: Paul Pogba

  • 10 candidates for football’s 2018 best player award – FIFA

    The 2018 men’s world footballer of the year will be picked from a list of 10 players instead of from a list of 23 as in the past, global ruling body FIFA said on Wednesday.

    The players in question will be selected by a 13-strong panel that includes legends such as Brazil’s Ronaldo and Germany’s Lothar Matthaeus.

    National team captains and coaches, media and fans then elect the best player in a poll between July 23 and August 10. The winner will be crowned at The Best FIFA Football Awards on September 24 in London.

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have won the prestigious award – now called The Best FIFA Men’s Player and formerly known as FIFA World Player and Ballon d’Or – five times each over the past 10 years.

    Awards will also be given out for best women’s player, best men’s and women’s coach, best goalkeeper and best goal, and there is also a fair-play prize.

    Read Also:FIFA sanctions hosts Russia, three others, warns Egypt over Salah

    The Newsmen reports that in 2014, Argentina had three nominees in Angel Di Maria, Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi, while their opponents in Sunday’s final, Germany, have four.

    Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos, Phillip Lahm and Thomas Muller are the players nominated from Joachim Low’s side.

    Colombia’s James Rodriguez, Brazil’s Neymar and Arjen Robben of Netherlands complete the 10-man shortlist.

    Fifa has also announced the nominees for the Golden Glove competition, awarded to the best goalkeeper at the World Cup.

    Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas, Germany’s Manuel Neuer and Argentina’s Sergio Romero will compete for the prize.

    Meanwhile, Netherlands’ Memphis Depay and Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane of France were nominated for the best young player at the tournament.

  • Russia 2018: Pogba earns France victory as technology plays part

    Paul Pogba scored a late goal to earn France a hard-fought 2-1 win against Australia in their opening 2018 FIFA World Cup Group C game on Saturday.

    The Video Assistant Referee played a major part in the game, especially in the decision of Pogba’s goal.

    The midfielder, who was criticized after recent below-par performances, found the back of the net with a lob after a fine one-two with second-half substitute, Olivier Giroud, nine minutes from time.

    Read Also: Russia 2018: Uruguay pip Egypt 1-0

    The effort was confirmed by goal-line technology.

    Antoine Griezmann converted the first penalty to be awarded by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at a World Cup in the 58th minute after being brought down by Josh Rishdon.

    Mile Jedinak leveled scores for his side, also with a penalty, after Samuel Umtiti handled.

     

    NAN

  • Pogba vs Mourinho: Who blinks first?

    Pogba vs Mourinho: Who blinks first?

     

    The romance between Coach Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba seems to be over. Considering that both men have big egos, the rift between them may tear Manchester United apart and derail their aspiration of finishing in the top four. PRECIOUS IGBEDION talked to fans of European football on the issue.

    Noah Taiwo: Pogba coming in from the bench in the Champion League game against Sevilla was due to his illness before the match. And every player has issue with their coaches. The problem at Man United is that Pogba feels he is being played out of position.

    Sunday Festus: The major problem between Jose and Pogba is wages. The French international feels that he should be getting as much as new-signing, Alexis Sanchez if not more. He also wants to be the main man in the team who will dictate proceedings on the pitch.

    Kingsley: As far as I am concerned, there is no issue between the two of them. Pogba is warming the bench due to poor performance. He needs time to regain his form and Sanchez would help him improve and become a better team player.

    John: Pogba began the game on the bench against Sevilla due to injury and when he was introduced into the tie he proved his worth. I don’t think he has any problem with Mourinho.

    Bello Kehinde: The issue between Mourinho and Pogba is power tussle. Both are the best in their jobs. I don’t agree with the coach keeping him on the bench, he is a fantastic player and should play so he’ll be able to justify his huge transfer fee.

    Austin Mordi: The problem between Mourinho and Pogba is ego, both are proud men, and till they come to understand that the club is bigger than them, this issue would linger.

    Alex Anyafulu: This is not the first time Mourinho is having issues with his players. He did same at Real Madrid and that was the beginning of the end for him. Pogba also have to change his attitude, football is not all about fashion, dance and crazy hair styles. It’s a business and team play is the answer, which could be seen in Manchester City.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Pogba shows off new burning’ haircut

    Pogba shows off new burning’ haircut

     

    Manchester United star Paul Pogba seems to be coping with his Premier League suspension just fine as he revealed his new haircut on Thursday.

    Pogba was banned for three games after appearing to stamp on Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin in the 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.

    The influential midfielder has since missed United’s defeat by Manchester City at Old Trafford and the win over Bournemouth.

    The 24-year-old will also be unavailable for the trip to West Brom at the weekend, but he will be free to play in United’s League Cup quarter-final tie against Bristol City.

    Pogba, who usually gets a new haircut for an upcoming fixture, decided he didn’t need an excuse this time.

    The United star posted an image of his new style on his Instagram page for his 19.6million followers to enjoy.

    His new haircut his two sides to it. On the right side of his head his hair has been coloured a bright orange, while on the left side there is a new pattern for his fans to gaze at.

    ‘Hair is burning,’ Pogba wrote along with the two images, before making sure to tag in Chessington-based salon A Star Barbers.

    Who knows whether Pogba will opt for a new style ahead of the match with Bristol City or the league game with Leicester City on December 23.

  • Manchester United accepts Pogba ban

    Manchester United accepts Pogba ban

     

    Paul Pogba will miss Sunday’s Manchester derby after Manchester United decided not to appeal his three-game ban for his red card at Arsenal.

    Pogba was dismissed in the 74th minute of Saturday’s 3-1 victory for his challenge on Gunners defender Hector Bellerin.

    After the match, united manager Jose Mourinho expressed disquiet at the decision, saying Pogba was “frustrated” at the reaction of some of the Arsenal players to his challenge.

    But former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher told Sky Sports: “Where he went was dangerous with excessive force.

    Pogba created two of United’s three goals at the Emirates but he will now have to sit out Sunday’s crucial game against Manchester City – who went eight points clear of second-placed United when they beat West Ham 2-1 – live on Sky Sports.

    The France international will also be banned for the visit of Bournemouth next Wednesday and the trip to West Brom on December 17.

    Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says Paul Pogba has been in ‘phenomenal’ form this season

    However, Pogba will be available on Tuesday night when United, who are looking to seal their place in the Champions League last 16, host CSKA Moscow.

    Mourinho told the media on Monday: “He [Pogba] 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.”

    meanwhile Michael Oliver has been named as the referee to take charge of the upcoming Manchester derby.

    Old Trafford is set to play host to Manchester United and their rivals Manchester City on Sunday, in one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the season.

    The two sides are currently battling it out at the top of the table, with United looking like the only realistic challengers to high-flying City.

    Eight points separate the two sides after 15 games played, with City yet to taste defeat all season.

    Oliver will be joined by his assistants for the fixture Gary Beswick and Simon Bennett, with Jon Moss the fourth official.

    In previous derbies Oliver made the call to dismiss Chris Smalling – giving the defender his marching orders when the two sides met back in 2014.

    For Sunday’s fixture United will find themselves without key man Paul Pogba, who will serve a ban following his recent red card at the Emirates.

  • Pogba and brothers stylish at MTV awards

    Pogba and brothers stylish at MTV awards

     

    Paul Pogba is no stranger to a flamboyant haircut — and the Manchester United star has opted to add a new style to his collection on Friday.

    Pogba is currently working his way back to full fitness following a hamstring injury that he suffered in September.

    The 24-year-old has missed the last 12 matches for the Red Devils since picking up the injury against Basle in the Champions League.

    But he certainly looked as though he’s getting ready to return to the limelight as he revealed his new look.

    A Star Barbers in Chessington, who have recently been banned from Chelsea’s training ground, cut Pogba’s hair and they were the first to show off the midfielder’s new style.

    ‘New levels, brings new devils,’ was the message that was tweeted by the hairdressers on Friday.

    Pogba has himself been vocal over the past few days. He has heaped praise on united team-mate Anthony Martial.

    Pogba told MUTV: ‘Anthony is a big, big, big talent. He’s a talented player – one of the best players I have ever seen or trained with.

    ‘He will improve a lot and you are going to see even more of Anthony, I’m sure.’

    Pogba and his brothers Florentin and Mathias were in attendance at the MTV European Music Awards on Sunday night.

    The Pogba brothers were all dressed up for the occasion in London, with the Manchester United midfielder dressed in a tidy black suit, while his two older siblings donned crisp blue suits.

    The France international Pogba is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and is trying to keep himself busy as he looks to get back to first-team action as soon as possible.

    Pogba hasn’t played competitive football since September 12, after suffering a hamstring injury early on in the club’s 3-0 victory over Basle in the Champions League.

    The former Juventus midfielder started the new campaign in impressive style, scoring twice and creating two assists for United in their first four Premier League games.

    He helped guide United to joint top with Manchester City on 10 points after their first four matches. Since his injury, they now sit eight adrift of Pep Guardiola’s men.

  • Pogba set to return after international break

    Pogba set to return after international break

     

    PAUL POGBA is on course to make his Manchester United comeback after the international break.

    Pogba has been sidelined for two months with a hamstring problem and missed the last 12 games.

    His absence has been a huge blow for Jose Mourinho, with United falling eight points behind local rivals Manchester City in the title race.

    Pogba, who cost United £90m from Juventus in 2016, completed most of his rehabilitation in the United States.

    But he has spent the last few weeks stepping up his work at United’s Carrington training complex.

    Mourinho is hopeful Pogba can be included in his squad for the visit of Newcastle to Old Trafford on November 18 when Premier League football resumes.

    United, endured a torrid Sunday, with a defeat to Chelsea followed by a severe train delay.

    The United boss will involve him in first team training next week with a view to naming him on the bench for the visit of the Magpies.

    But Mourinho will not rush him back for the sake of it and will be desperate to have him fighting fit for the crunch derby clash with Pep Guardiola’s men on December 10.

    His return to the fold will be a massive boost for Mourinho, who knows United can ill-afford to slip further behind their neighbours otherwise their title challenge could be dead and buried before Christmas.

    Mourinho has made a point of not using Pogba’s absence as an excuse for his side’s inconsistent form in recent weeks.

    But he admitted after last weekend’s defeat at Chelsea that United had missed his influence and dynamism.

    Mourinho has also penciled in Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s comeback for the start of December when United face CSKA Moscow at home in their final Champions League group game.

    The Swedish ace has been sidelined since rupturing knee ligaments in April.

  • Pogba shows off his latest crazy haircut

    Pogba shows off his latest crazy haircut

     

    Paul Pogba appears to be edging ever closer to his Manchester United return, as he arrived at Carrington for training on Friday.

    Showing off a new haircut, the Frenchman drove his Audi to the club’s facilities, where he is back in training.

    Pogba’s fresh new cut comes ahead of United’s game against Tottenham on Saturday, where it is as yet unclear whether he will be included.

    The fresh trim is inspired by his bid to stay fit and healthy, using the lines seen on a typical hospital electrocardiograph monitor.

    A heart is added to the design, and Pogba used the caption ‘Still breathing’ when he posted the snap to his Instagram account.

    In terms of his return to action, neither the player nor manager have shed any light on when he will pull on the shirt once again.

    Jose Mourinho remained tight-lipped ahead of the game when he was asked, insisting he had ‘no idea’ whether Pogba would be fit enough to feature this week.

    ‘I have no idea,’ said Mourinho about Pogba’s recovery. ‘If you ask me “do you think he can play in the next match in the Premier League against Tottenham”, I don’t know.

    ‘I am not telling you no and then he plays. You will say I lied to you but I really don’t know. I expect Eric Bailly to be back next week but I cannot tell you about (Marouane) Fellaini or Pogba

    because I have no idea.’You have to ask Dr Steve McNally – he is responsible for that. I am in control of the players that are available, not the players that are not available.’

    Despite his response, Mourinho will surely be desperate for information on one of his star players, with the injury problems mounting.

    Pogba’s fellow central midfielders Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick have also been on the treatment table while Marcos Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic remain sidelined.

    The 24-year-old has not featured since picking up a hamstring injury against Basle on September 12, but he was in fine form before that.

    He had netted twice in his previous eight games, while United were on a stellar run, picking up 10 points from a possible 12 in the league games Pogba played.

  • Liverpool out to halt United’s charge in Anfield clash

    Liverpool out to halt United’s charge in Anfield clash

    Liverpool and Manchester United’s globe-trotting squads must shake off the effects of international duty for one of English football’s most eagerly-anticipated clashes on Saturday.

    According to Sky Sports their players clocked up 139,000 miles taking part in World Cup qualifiers since the last Premier League action.

    But all roads will lead to Anfield this weekend as the English top flight resumes after a two-week break with a potential cracker.

    The stoppage was badly-timed for United who won their last three Premier League games with nine goals scored and none conceded, albeit against sides in the lower half of the table.

    Jose Mourinho’s side, joint leaders on 19 points from seven games with Manchester City, will hope to continue that momentum in what will be their biggest test of the season to date.

    Liverpool’s form has been less impressive and Juergen Klopp’s side, beset by defensive problems, are seven points off the searing pace being set by the two Manchester rivals.

    They are also without a Premier League victory over bitter adversaries United in their last six meetings, but Mourinho says recent history will have no bearing on Saturday.

    “These kind of matches, every single moment plays a part,” Mourinho told Sky Sports. “We are playing against a good team with very good players.

    “Form doesn’t matter, the moment doesn’t matter. It’s a match of three points.”

    United will be missing midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who hurt his knee playing for Belgium against Bosnia, while Paul Pogba is still absent with an injury.

    Liverpool have a potentially more significant absentee, however, with forward Sadio Mane facing a six-week layoff after injuring his hamstring representing Senegal.

    Meanwhile, City who have built up a goal difference of plus 20 during a stunning start to the campaign, will host Stoke City.

    Prolific striker, Sergio Aguero may possibly be in contention for a squad place after recovering from injuring his ribs in a car accident last month.

    Tottenham Hotspur, in third place, will attempt to lay their Wemble jinx in the league at the fourth time of asking as they host Bournemouth.

    While fourth-placed champions Chelsea, beaten by City before the international break, visit Crystal Palace.

    Toothless Palace are the first top-flight side to lose their opening seven games since Portsmouth in 2009, and the first in 129 years of the Football League to do so without scoring.

    Fifth-placed Arsenal are at Watford, while Burnley, the surprise package so far in sixth, will fancy their chances when they tackle West Ham United at Turf Moor.

    West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has leapfrogged Everton’s Ronald Koeman as favourite to be the next managerial casualty after his side’s woeful start.

    Koeman’s side travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday hoping to avoid only a second loss in 20 against newly-promoted teams in the Premier League.

    NAN

  • Paul Pogba Banned from Playing Basketball

    Paul Pogba Banned from Playing Basketball

    According to reports Manchester United have banned Paul Pogba from playing basketball in his spare time.

    Manchester United are worried that Pogba antics on basketball court could cause further injuries to his hamstrings.

    The club have therefore told the Frenchman to put a stop to his love of basketball, with medical staff frightened he is at risk of ‘muscle strain, as well as stress impact on his knees and ankles.’

    Paul Pogba spent much of the summer playing basketball with his friends in the United States

    Paul Pogba spent much of the summer playing basketball with his friends in the United States
    Manchester United have now asked their midfielder to stop playing basketball in his spare time
    United are worried he will further aggravate injuriesMourinho has previously revealed that Pogba’s injury is ‘long-term’, after he limped off during Manchester United’s opening Champions League game against Basle.

    Pogba, though, has since offered some hope to United’s supporters, posting a ‘Bruce Lee style’ workout on his Instagram page.

    The Frenchman is at Manchester United’s training base at Carrington, working hard in the gym to regain full fitness in the coming weeks.

    For now, though, he is not in the manager’s plans, with Mourinho admitting: ‘His injury is not one that I can have the hope like I can have with others.

    Pogba has not featured for United since limping off against Basle in the Champions League

    Pogba has not featured for United since limping off against Basle in the Champions League

    ‘With long-term injuries, I don’t speak about them, so Ibra, Pogba, Rojo and these players, I don’t think about them.’

    In truth, United have not struggled without the midfielder, winning all of their five games since he limped off on September 12.

    Mourinho’s men are second in the Premier League table – just behind rivals Manchester City on goal difference – heading into the international break.