Mourinho: Paul Pogba world’s best midfielder

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho believes Paul Pogba may already be the world’s best midfielder, yet he thinks his goal return ensures he will struggle to challenge Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the top individual accolades.

The returning Pogba, who has only trained with United for 11 days, has been declared fit for selection against Southampton tonight when the Frenchman could make his first Old Trafford appearance since 2012.

A world-leading sum of £89m (€102m) was required to bring him back after a four-year stint with Juventus and Mourinho believes his club have acquired a player who has evolved into one of the planet’s finest midfielders.