POGBA MAGIC HAS TURNED REDS AROUND
PAUL POGBA has been set “free” by Man Utd and is conjuring “magic” performances – according to Ander Herrera.
The French midfielder has scored four goals in three games since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge and orchestrated a hard-fought win over Newcastle on Wednesday.
Pogba is driving United ever closer to the top four, after Champions League qualification seemed impossible under axed boss Jose Mourinho.
Herrera says Pogba, linked with a transfer to Juve after disagreements with Mourinho, is key to United’s revival.
Team-mates have pledged to graft to ensure Pogba can express himself and open up teams with his skill and running power.
The World Cup winner limped out of St James’ Park with a scuff mark high on his thigh from a terrible challenge from Jonjo Shelvey but was in good spirits posing for photos.
Herrera said: “I think Nemanja Matic and I, and the other players, we have to help him feel free and that’s what we’re doing.
“When he is in the opponent’s half he has that magic to change the game, so we are really happy for him. He is very important for the club, on the pitch and off the pitch as well.
“He’s playing really, really well. Not only with the ball. I think as soon as we lose the ball he is ready to defend, ready to help the team. He is playing simple and effective in our half.”
Herrera says United can’t get bogged down fretting about catching the top four, with Chelsea six points clear.
He said: “When I saw we were maybe 12 points behind I decided to not think about it and go game by game.
“That’s what I did at least and things are going well, so I don’t want to change. I am not going to think about that.
“If we continue this run we will be closer to the top four but it’s not something that kills my mind right now. I respect a lot what the last manager did for us.
“The only thing I can say or the only thing I can talk about is our form right now. It’s very good, we are happy, we are playing good and I hope we can continue.”
Big tests lie ahead for Solskjaer’s side, greater than Cardiff, Huddersfield, Bournemouth and Newcastle.
After Reading in the FA Cup they jet to Dubai before tackling Spurs.
Herrera said: “The next league game is going to be even tougher. I hope we can win against Reading and we go to Dubai even more happy.”