CP1990748929
FILE - In this Monday, May 30, 2016 file photo, France\'s Paul Pogba looks on during a friendly soccer match between France and Cameroon at the La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes, western France. Manchester United says Paul Pogba has been granted permission to have a medical examination to finalize his transfer to the English club from Juventus. United made the announcement in a one-line statement on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016 under the hashtag “Pogback.” (AP Photo/David Vincent, file)

Pogba banned for United’s 1st game of Premier League season

MANCHESTER, England – World-record signing Paul Pogba will not be available for Manchester United’s first game of the Premier League season as he is serving a ban carried over from his time at Juventus.

And it has taken United manager Jose Mourinho by surprise.

England’s Football Association said Friday that Pogba collected a one-match ban after being booked twice in the Coppa Italia at the end of last season. The suspension has been transferred to England.

The France midfielder, signed for $116 million this week, must sit out United’s away match against Bournemouth on Sunday.

Mourinho said he only received the information on Wednesday — a day after Pogba completed his protracted transfer.

“I knew the situation with the yellow cards,” Mourinho said, “but I didn’t know at that time if an accumulation of yellow cards (in Italy) would bring a player suspension (in England).

“I didn’t know if a suspension from Italian football would be for the corresponding competition in England, which would be the first FA Cup match. I didn’t know so I was waiting for the decision.”

Pogba’s first game in his second spell at United could be a home match against Southampton on Aug. 19.

Mourinho appeared not to be bothered.

“I don’t speak about suspended players or injured players, I speak only about the ones that are ready to play,” Mourinho said. “So I forget Paul for a few days.”

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles