Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen says he expects Paul Pogba to be back in the starting line up against Newcastle today, almost four months after his last start for the club.

The Frenchman came on as a second-half substitute in the 2-0 defeat to Watford last weekend, and Owen believes manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will recall him this evening:

“United need to bounce back after a horror show at Vicarage Road although the game did signal the return of Paul Pogba who came off the bench and looked fit and sharp on his return from injury.”

“I expect the French international to start against a Newcastle side who are unbeaten in eight at home but who continue to struggle to create opportunities on the road.”

Owen has gone for a 2-1 win, which is a quite a narrow scoreline, considering United are at home, and the Magpies don’t generally score many goals.

Steve Bruce’s side have scored at Tottenham and Liverpool this campaign, but their record on the road is pretty poor, with six defeats in nine games.

Owen is probably right in saying, however, that United are unlikely to run away with it, considering they have drawn four matches at Old Trafford already this season. Still, fans will be expecting a reaction after a very disappointing performance last time out.

Watch Man Utd V Newcastle United Free with Prime on Boxing Day