Pogba aims to prove his worth

Ferguson's decision suggests Pogba is in his thoughts for the first team this term, a step the French midfielder - who made his senior United debut as a substitute in last month's Carling Cup victory over Leeds - is eager to make. "A possible loan to a Championship club was discussed early in the season, but Sir Alex said he did not want me to leave," Pogba told the French Football Federation website. "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 was a half-time replacement for Ryan Giggs in the Leeds game and, although admitting nerves played their part, the 18-year-old was delighted to get his chance. "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."