Assistant manager Peter Grant admits Aston Villa midfielder Jermaine Jenas is almost too keen as he sits sidelined by an Achilles injury. Jenas, signed on loan from Tottenham in the summer, has caught the eye with his enthusiasm since arriving in the West Midlands. However, Grant fears he is in danger of going to extremes in a bid to impress, illustrated by him currently out for three weeks with the heel problem. He said: "Of course we have got a break now for the internationals and we hope that will help speed up his recovery. He is in very good hands here with the physios and the doctor and we are delighted that he seems to be responding quickly. We have seen it before where boys are desperate to play and try to rush themselves to get fit - more so in Jermaine's case because the supporters haven't seen him yet."
Paul Pogba is looking to reward the faith shown in him by Sir Alex Ferguson after the manager opted against sending him out on loan this season. 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 said. "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."
