Paul Pogba is on the verge of a long-awaited comeback for Manchester United after being named in the matchday squad to face bottom club Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

The France midfielder has been out of action for almost three months after a serious ankle injury.

But, having returned to full training this week following a bout of illness, Pogba was among the squad that travelled to London for the Watford game as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer welcomes United’s record £89 million back into his squad.

Pogba has not featured for United since the 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the end of September, since when talk over his future at Old Trafford has intensified.

But Solskjaer’s insistence on Friday that Pogba will not be sold in the January transfer window coincided with an exclusive interview the player’s agent, Mino Raiola, gave to the Telegraph in which he said the Frenchman wants to stay at Old Trafford but needs more support from the club.

Pogba’s return is a timely boost for Solskjaer ahead of a hectic run of festive fixtures. After Watford, United face Newcastle at Old Trafford on Boxing Day before travelling to Burnley two days later. They then face Arsenal on New Year’s Day.