POG LICENCE

Lingard says World Cup winner is back to his best now he has freedom to play his own game

JESSE LINGARD believes Paul Pogba is back to his best because he has been given a licence to thrill.

Pogba has four goals and three assists in the three games since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge at Manchester United.

Lingard came through the ranks with Pogba at Old Trafford before the Frenchman joined Juventus in 2012 and says he is playing with the freedom he did back then.

“He’s enjoying his football,” said the England winger. “He’s playing in the role he likes to play in, just inside off the left.

“He has the freedom to make things happen. He’s always got forward in that position and scored goals.

“Ole has helped him 100 per cent. He has given him the confidence and licence to be free and play his game and do what we know he can do.

“I can definitely, definitely see the Paul I used to know. I’ve seen him playing through the ranks and he is back to that player, the player we know.”

Lingard, 26, is also enjoying working with Solskjaer again having played under him during the Norwegian’s stint on the coaching staff a decade ago.

“He’s great one on one with players, he has great man-management,” said Lingard.

“He will always speak to you and tell you what to do. He knew me from the reserves and knows what kind of a player I am. When I’m on the right wing he likes me to come inside and make things happen.

“He gives me licence and freedom to do that.

“He gave me my reserveteam debut. He was always there on hand to give advice and help the youngsters out.

“He helped me out coming through and I learnt a lot from him.

“He’s very special to this club. He knows where Man United has to be and that’s at the very top and putting in performances like we did against Bournemouth.”