Ralf Rangnick sends message to Paul Pogba ahead of Manchester United return

Ralf Rangnick has challenged Paul Pogba to prove he is worthy of a key role in the Manchester United team as he makes his return from injury.

Pogba has been out for three months with a groin injury but starts against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth round, partnering Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay in the United midfield.

The World Cup winner is in the side ahead of Fred, who only returned from international duty with Brazil earlier this week, and he is expected to be entering the final act of his United career, with his contract expiring this summer.

But Rangnick has told Pogba he has to earn a role in the side if he's to become a regular fixture in the midfield in the weeks to come.

“It depends on the level of performance he shows tonight," Rangnick told MUTV when asked if Pogba could play an important role now he's fit again.

"He was good in training, he performed well and that’s why I decided to play him from the start."

Pogba's return is one of five changes from the side that beat West Ham 13 days ago, with Dean Henderson, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho also coming into the side.

It is only Henderson's second start of the season and the goalkeeper failed to force through a loan move in the January transfer window.

“With Dean we have a fantastic goalkeeper, his training performances since I arrived were outstanding, that’s why I decided to give him this game in front of a sold out Old Trafford, he more than deserved that," said Rangnick.

Old Trafford will fall silent before kick-off to mark the 64th anniversary of the Munich air disaster and Rangnick wants to pay tribute with a victory as well.

“We will do that before the game, but it’s also important for us as a club and for the players, we