As a result of 2 yellow cards that Pogba picked up last season in the Coppa Italia, the FA has decided that the one match ban will extend to his new career. Following this ban, Pogba is expected to make his second debut for Manchester United at their first home again Southampton, next Friday.
At the pre-match press conference, Mourinho admitted to not knowing Pogba would have to miss out on their first game of the season against Bournemouth on Sunday. Mourinho said, “I knew the situation with the yellow cards but I didn’t know at that time if an accumulation of yellow cards (in Italy) would bring a player suspension (in England).”
Jose did not appear to be bothered by this news and refused to speak about Pogba at the press conference saying, “I don’t speak about suspended players or injured players, I speak only about the ones that are ready to play. So I forget Paul for a few days.”
After being sent off in the FA Cup Final, Chris Smalling is also serving a ban and will not appear in United’s first league game. However, we can expect to see Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan make their first Premier League appearances.
While Pogba will be missed on the midfield this weekend, it will not be a void that can not be filled. Fellaini and Carrick are fit and equipped handle the midfield. Considering his late transfer and long summer break, this one match ban will give Pogba more time to train and get ready to make his second debut for United next Friday.
Taking on Bournemouth away from home as the first game of the season is a difficult fixture. Especially since things were not smooth the last time United played there. However, United is now a different team with a new manager and a new outlook to this season.
Wayne Rooney is the ONLY Premier League player to have scored 6 goals on an opening weekend, so far. With a record like that, and the presence of Zlatan on the field the first game of the season will be one to look forward to.