PLENTY STILL TO COME FROM POG – OLE

OLE: HE’LL PLAY ‘LOADS OF GAMES’ FOR UNITED

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer insists Paul Pogba will play ‘loads of games’ for United amid mounting uncertainty over his future.

The midfielder has only played six times this season after suffering an ankle injury in the Premier League draw at Southampton on August 31.

He returned for the Carabao Cup third round tie with Rochdale on September 25 and lined up against Arsenal five days later, but has not appeared since.

The 26-year-old has spent time in

Dubai and Miami during his recovery but Pogba returned a fortnight ago and was in attendance for the wins over Tottenham and City.

Pogba has 18 months left on his United contract and publicly outlined his desire for a ‘new challenge’ in the summer.

The Reds have the option of an additional year on Pogba’s deal to tie him to the club until 2022, but his interest in moving to Real Madrid and the length of his contract might force United to sell him sooner rather than later, since his re-sale value could dwindle.

Solskjaer last week assured Pogba his role in the team was safe, despite the impressive partnership Fred and Scott McTominay have forged, and is conscious of not putting more pressure on the Frenchman while he continues his recovery.

“Let’s get Paul fit first and back in form and he’ll play loads of games,” Solskjaer said ahead of tonight’s Europa League game against AZ Alkmaar at Old Trafford.

“For me, he’s one of the best players in the world and I’m looking forward to having him back.”

Meanwhile, Nemanja Matic is scheduled to make his first appearance in over two months tonight.

Matic, 31, has not played for United since their goalless Europa League draw at Alkmaar on October 3.

“Matic is fit and due to be involved, yeah,” said Solskjaer. “He’s just started training.

“Dalot? One day training, so it’s a bit too early for Diogo.” Solskjaer is expected to make wholesale changes to the team which beat City on Saturday. Goalkeeper Sergio Romero will resume his cup responsibilities, academy graduates Brandon Williams, Axel Tuanzebe, James Garner, Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and Mason Greenwood are in line for recalls, while Ashley Young and Phil Jones could deputise in defence. Solskjaer clarified Jones, who has been omitted from the last four squads after a haphazard half at Sheffield United, is available.

“Phil’s fit, training well, training hard and I’m sure he’ll come back. It was a tactical thing there, I had to change the formation at Sheffield United and he was the one I chose to change. Phi’s fine,” he said.

United qualified for the knockout stage with two games to spare, but if they lose to Alkmaar they will

Let’s get Paul fit first and back in form and he’ll play loads of games

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer