'Pogba is going to start against Valencia'

The Frenchman was an unused substitute for the Reds' 4-1 victory against Fulham on Saturday, but the focus will quickly turn to Wednesday night for our final group-stage fixture at the Estadio Mestalla.

With qualification for the knockout stage already assured, this game will give the manager the opportunity to try something new or give some fringe players the opportunity to shine.

When he spoke to the media on Saturday evening, the boss confirmed that Paul will start the midweek match in Spain and that the glittering lights of the European stage will give the Frenchman the perfect opportunity to remind the United faithful and the football world of the qualities that he possesses.

"Against Valencia, he is going to start," said Mourinho. "Against Valencia, he is going to have a fantastic football game to play and to show everybody how good he is."

The midfielder has played a big role in helping United reach the knockout phase of the competition. He scored two goals on the opening match day in Switzerland against Young Boys and helped the team to secure a dramatic win in Turin against Juventus. However, when explaining Paul's recent absences from the starting XI in domestic competition, the boss explained what he needed to work on.

"He has to play with the same mentality as the team is playing. Paul can be a fantastic player. He has the potential to be a fantastic player."

Although our last two meetings with Valencia at Old Trafford have ended in draws, the Reds were victorious on the club's last visit to the Estadio Mestalla in September 2010. A repeat of that result would enable Mourinho's men to finish top of Group H if Juventus drop points to the bottom club, Young Boys. That scenario could, at least on paper, give United an easier set of permutations when the draw for the knockout phase is made on Monday 17 December.

Valencia v United kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Wednesday. MUTV subscribers will be able to enjoy 90 minutes of live build-up from 18:30 GMT.

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