John O’Shea has hit back at the suggestions Manchester United have been playing BETTER without Paul Pogba in the team, and insists he can make a ‘huge impact’ in their race for the top-four.

The midfielder has come under fire from fans, pundits and former players this season, where his life off the pitch has been a bigger story than his performances on it.

Pogba has been restricted to just eight appearances in all competitions this term due to ongoing injury problems.

Instagram @paulpogba 2 Pogba has been sidelined with an ankle injury for most of the season

But, after undergoing ankle surgery in January, he is said to be nearing a return to the first-team and will resume full training next week.

United have experienced a bleak campaign during Pogba’s injury troubles, although things have picked up since the turn of 2020, with January signing Bruno Fernandes inspiring Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to a run of nine games without defeat.

Some United fans have even claimed their recent upturn of form proves they no longer need Pogba, ahead of a summer transfer window which could see him finally leave Old Trafford after years of speculation.

But former centre-back O’Shea, who won five Premier League titles in a United shirt, believes Pogba’s return will bring another much-needed boost to the team as they continue their hunt for Champions League qualification.

Getty Images - Getty 2 Manchester United will soon have Paul Pogba fit again, but will he break into side amid their unbeaten run?

Speaking after United’s 3-0 FA Cup fifth round win over Derby, the Irishman said on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “There are definitely good signs.

“Obviously Fernandes has had that desired impact and Ighalo seems to have found his feet.

“There are good signs but there’s still a lot to do, a lot to improve on.

“You bring Pogba back into that mix and there are good signs ahead.

Danny Murphy thinks Bruno Fernandes' impact at Man United could pave the way for Paul Pogba's exit

“He’s had a couple of operations and he’s back on the training pitch now, and he could hopefully play a big part in United closing the gap on Chelsea to get to the top four, and that would be a huge impact.

“I remember Paul in the youth team and coming into the first team, and he’s a decent fella.

“Behind the scenes he works brilliantly in the gym, he’s a good character, he drives other players on.”

Listen back to John O’Shea on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast IN FULL above