‘Pogba has really knuckled down…’
SOLSKJAER FULL OF PRAISE FOR PAUL
Pogba has looked close to his best lately despite his agent Mino Raiola insisting in December that his time at Old Trafford was “over”.
Talks on a new deal to extend his current contract beyond 2022 have not progressed.
But asked whether it was his arm-around-the-shoulder style that has produced results, Solskjaer gave the credit to his star man.
“You should ask Paul what he’s done because the answer is he has really knuckled down. He’s worked hard and he’s got his fitness back,” he said.
“He had a bad season last season with injuries and he had Covid this season and an injury, but he really works hard and is playing in a team that plays well. He is a big inspiration for everyone.” Raiola has agitated repeatedly for a move away from Manchester and all parties know that this summer is probably the last chance of a fee changing hands.
But Solskjaer believes the uncertainty over Pogba’s future has not distracted him from his efforts on the pitch.
He said: “Speculation about Paul is always going to be there. I’m just happy he’s focused and playing really well and he’s happy within himself and that’s important – you can see Paul enjoying football himself with a red shirt on.
“Paul is a Man United player through and through. He’s been here in two spells – he came as a kid, he’s learnt about the club’s history, the passion of the club and he wants to do the best for Man United when he’s here. I think we’ve seen that he really cares for his team and he’s trying to be as successful as everyone else.”
Solskjaer’s side travel to Goodison Park to take on highflying Everton on the back of a 9-0 thrashing of Southampton on Tuesday. The United manager, who is missing Eric Bailly but will have Edinson Cavani available after an ankle knock against Saints, added: “Everton have started the season fantastically, won the last four away games and you always know you are in for a battle when you play against a Carlo Ancelotti side.”
United will play on the anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster for only the fourth time since 1958, 63 years on from the tragedy that claimed 23 lives and shaped the club’s history.