Paul Pogba fit for second Manchester United debut against Southampton

Paul Pogba is ready to officially begin his second coming at Manchester United in the Premier League visit of Southampton on Friday [19 August] after declaring himself fit despite a limited pre-season.

The France international was suspended for the opening game of the campaign against AFC Bournemouth but has sent a message to manager Jose Mourinho that he is ready for his club bow.

The 23-year-old has not played since the European Championship final defeat to Portugal on 10 July having been given an extended period of rest by former club Juventus. Upon the completion of Pogba's £89m return to Old Trafford he resumed training last week but was unable to make the first outing since the switch due to a suspension carrying over from last season's Coppa Italia.

But following 10 days of preparation Pogba insists he is ready for his United bow against Saints, in spite of the fact he has had limited match practice. The former Le Havre midfielder has decent experience of recovering from international tournaments and has assured supporters he is fit to restart his career in the English top flight.

"You have to ask the manager, but I feel very good and have been training for 10 days," he told Sky Sports. "I am okay. I am quite used to this. I played the World Cup two years ago when at Juve and three years ago I was at the U20 World Cup as well. So I am okay. It is about your body and I have been training on my holidays."

Pogba's arrival for a world record fee means he will come under immediate scrutiny over his performances while United will be under pressure to deliver silverware following their significant investment. The record-breaker is unperturbed by the fee paid for him and has outlined his ambitious plans for the new campaign.

"I am just happy to play football, I don't even think about it," added Pogba, who returns to United four years after his exit in 2012. "My ambition is always be the number one and be the best. So the objective is to win the league. We want to go back to the Champions League because that is where we belong."