I HAD TO TALK TO POGBA
Ole says star is happy despite flirting with Real
OLE GUNNAR Solskjaer has held talks with Paul Pogba after Manchester United’s record signing revealed it would be a ‘ dream’ to play for Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane.
Solskjaer insisted yesterday that Pogba is happy at Old Trafford, but felt sufficiently concerned about the comments to seek clarification from the player on his return from international duty with France.
They prompted Real coach Zidane to declare his admiration for Pogba and Madrid-based newspaper Marca, for so long used by the Spanish giants in their pursuit of transfer targets, to begin a round of speculation over Pogba’s future. The 26-yearold midfielder was strongly linked with Barcelona last summer, having told United he wanted to leave, and his agent Mino Raiola agreed a five-year deal with the Catalan club.
However, Pogba is understood to be settled at United now and Solskjaer brushed off his flirtation with Real.
‘It doesn’t really concern me because my thought of action then is to sit down and speak to Paul,’ said the United boss.
‘I’ve had my chat with Paul and we’re fine. He’s going to do his utmost here because he knows I’m very fond of him as a player and a person, and he is important for us. There is no issue.
‘ Paul is happy here, he’s going to be a big part. I’ve always said you would like to build your team around him and that hasn’t changed at all.
‘ Paul is a very nice and polite man who answered a general question. Zidane is an icon in France, a fantastic manager who used to be a fantastic player. He’s just politely answered that question.’
Pogba is set to play at Wolves tonight alongside Ander Herrera, whose own future at United is in doubt amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.
Herrera, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, has been unable to agree terms for a new contract.
Victor Lindelof will return to the squad this evening after missing Saturday’s win over Watford for personal reasons, having received death threats for pulling out of Sweden’s internationals.
Solskjaer is determined that United cement their place in the top four against a Wolves team who knocked his side out of the FA Cup last month.
‘It’s now the last stretch,’ he said. ‘The players know themselves they want to be in the Champions League.
‘Maybe they didn’t believe it themselves in November, that we’re in with a chance. Everyone knows now that if we do our jobs, say 15 points in the last seven games, we’ll be in the Champions League next year.’
Meanwhile, Solskjaer says he would be happy working with a technical director after being confirmed as full-time manager last week. United have created the new role and hope to fill it by the start of next season.
Solskjaer has spoken to his assistant Mike Phelan about taking on a wider responsibility. However, it’s understood the 56-year- old is more likely to remain as part of the coaching set-up once he meets United executive vice - chairman Ed Woodward to discuss a permanent contract. ‘Ed and Mick will get things sorted soon,’ said Solskjaer. ‘He’s a key part of the club.’