Pogba determined for Red Devils success

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is confident of breaking into the first team at Old Trafford this season.

The Frenchman has been given reassurances over his United future by Sir Alex Ferguson, who wanted to keep the youngster at the club despite being wanted on loan.

Pogba told the French Football Federation website: “A possible loan to a Championship club was discussed early in the season, but Sir Alex said he did not want me to leave.”

“That makes me want to prove he was right in trusting me. I am proud of what I’m doing. I’m getting closer to the first team and I hope to progress further this season.”

Pogba admitted he was anxious ahead of making his debut at Leeds in the League Cup when he replaced Ryan Giggs at half-time.

“I was nervous but so happy to be among players like (Michael) Carrick, (Dimitar) Berbatov and (Michael) Owen,” he said. “It was a nice taste of the first team and made me want even more.”

The 18-year-old joined United from Le Havre in 2009 and was a key player in the Red Devils’ Youth Cup triumph in May.

“We lifted the cup in front of more than 25,000 fans – it was fabulous,” he added. “I always dreamed of playing teams like Chelsea and Liverpool and now it’s coming true.”

“We continued a Mancunian tradition by winning that trophy for the 10th time. This proves I’m not in the north of England by accident.”