BEWARE OF THE POG REDS REBUILD WILL ATTRACT STARS
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER says players are clamouring to be a part of his Manchester United “rebuild”.
The Reds struggled at the start of their first full season under Solskjaer, but made a huge statement of intent with back-to-back victories over Tottenham and Manchester City (Marcus Rashford, left, was on target in both games).
Sky pundit and former
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher described United’s win at local rivals City as the best performance he had seen against Pep Guardiola’s recordbreaking side.
With United’s fall from grace, agents were said to be wary of moving their players to Old Trafford. But manager Solskjaer is adamant United remain the biggest draw for stars.
“You say agents don’t want to put their players here – I’m
PAUL POGBA still has a big role to play for Manchester United — despite their revival without him.
Pogba, suffering from an ankle injury, has not featured for United since a 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal on September 30. The £89million signing, who tried to engineer a move away in the summer, is closing in on a return sure players would want to be here,” he said. “I don’t speak to too many agents, to be fair, but United is the biggest and the best club in the world.
“I’m sure there are so many players out there who want to be part of this rebuild.
“Results and performances count and we want to play a type of football that our fans enjoy, our players enjoy, and maybe some opposition players would like to be a part of as well.” to first-team action. Although tonight’s Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar comes too soon for Pogba, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he remains a key part of his plans.
Solskjaer said: “He’s working hard to get fit so hopefully we can get him back on the pitch soon. Let’s get Paul fit first and back in form and he’ll play loads of games. For me he’s one of the best players in the world and I’m looking forward to having him back.”
Pogba and his agent Mino Raiola tried to force through a move to Real Madrid in the summer, with the midfielder publicly stating he wanted a new challenge.
But United stood firm, with Solskjaer adamant that Pogba – who has 18 months left on his contract – remains central to his rebuilding plans, despite his 14-game absence.
In the French international’s absence, Scott Mctominay and Fred have formed an impressive midfield partnership, which helped United to backto-back wins over Tottenham and Manchester City.
Solskjaer heaped praise on Fred, signed from Shakhtar
Donetsk for £52m 18 months ago, for coming through a tough first season at United to prove his worth.
“Fred’s had the confidence of the coaching staff and players all the time,” the Old Trafford boss said. “This form is down to him, he’s been working really hard and he grabbed his opportunity when Paul got injured.
“We’re happy to see him perform at this level and hopefully he can kick on.”
Saturday’s win at the Etihad means United have taken 10 points from four matches against the teams above them in the Premier League.
Fred and Jesse Lingard were subjected to alleged racist abuse during United’s win at City, with Solskjaer admitting the pair have needed support following their ordeal.
“This isn’t how it should be in football,” said the Norwegian.
“It’s been a tough couple of days for Jesse and Fred, but we have to help other people realise their behaviour is important.”