Jose Mourinho has told Paul Pogba to focus on fighting for the Manchester United shirt when he makes his emotional return to Juventus on Wednesday evening.

Pogba left United back in 2012 to sign for Juve, before making a shock return to Old Trafford in what was a then-world record £89 million fee in 2016.

And as the France World Cup winner prepares to return to Turin for the first time in Wednesday’s Champions League clash, Mourinho has urged him to focus on his United duties, while accepting that, like Cristiano Ronaldo’s Old Trafford return, it will be an emotional moment for him.

He told MUTV: “I imagine yes [it will be a big deal for Pogba], in the same way Cristiano was professional – he did his job, fought for his team and gave everything he had to give.

With group rivals Valencia and Young Boys facing off in the early kick-off, United can afford no further slip-ups in their pursuit of the last-16.

A blunt United attack mustered just two shots on target during their 1-0 defeat to Juve last month, with Mourinho hailing the Bianconeri’s defence as “beautiful”.

Max Allegri’s back-line will again be marshalled by Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini and the Portuguese coach is well aware of the challenge facing his side.

“It’s not easy, it’s not easy,” the ex-Real Madrid boss added. “They have the quality, the know-how, the confidence – they have absolutely everything. I analyse them in many different circumstances. 

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