My Pog’s still missing
Solskjaer unsure when star will return
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER still has no idea when Paul Pogba will return amid fears the midfielder has played his last game for Manchester United.
The French star has not featured for United since September 30 because of an ankle injury which has sidelined him for 17 games.
Some team-mates and staff believe Pogba, who remains determined to leave when the transfer window reopens in January, could have played his last game for United.
Although Solskjaer insisted Pogba will not be allowed to leave next month, the United boss was unable to say when the 26-year-old will be playing again.
“He’s training but he’s not been training with us for long,” said Solskjaer.
“The injury was something that really needed sorting but I don’t think I should give you all the medical information. But he’s now feeling good and getting better, it’s worked.”
Asked if he understood why there was so much focus on Pogba, he added: “Yeah, of course.
“It’s because he’s a fantastic player, a charismatic personality and for us we’re happy that he’s here. He’s not getting sold in January.”
United fans have grown frustrated with Pogba’s absence, believing the midfielder is not pushing himself to get back as quickly as possible.
Footage emerged last weekend of him on the dancefloor at his brother’s wedding, while he has previously been seen playing basketball while still on the
United injured list. Solskjaer said: “When he comes back, he plays well, plays with a smile on his face and does what he did a year ago when I came here. Paul was fantastic, he’s been fantastic when he’s played for us.
“We know we’ve got one of the best players in the world when he’s playing well, when he gets fit. He needs time to get fit, of course, but he’ll make a difference for us.
“I hope that he’ll play before the end of the year. Let’s see how he feels. I can’t risk any setbacks on the injury.”
There was intense speculation yesterday that United target Erling Haaland was on his way to Manchester for transfer talks, only for Solskjaer to dismiss the notion. The Red Bull
Salzburg striker, who has 28 goals from 22 games this season, is wanted by United but Solskjaer played down the prospects of an immediate deal for the 19-year-old, who he managed at Molde in Norway.
“He’s not coming to Manchester,” said Solskjaer. “I know the boy and he’s on a Christmas holiday. You can’t fly anywhere from Stavanger, you need to go via somewhere.”
On the prospect of strengthening his squad next month, Solskjaer said: “As a manager you always hope you can do something but, then again, it’s not something that’s nailed on.
“It has to be the right player, the right age, he’s got to fit into this squad and for the right value.”