SOLSKJAER’S A POG LOVER
Ole says French star’s still part of United plans
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer insisted that he has not given up on keeping Paul Pogba at Manchester United.
Pogba is scheduled to return to Old Trafford for pre-season training tomorrow after telling the club last week that he will not be signing the £400,000-a-week contract offer that would make him the highest-paid player in the
Premier League.
Paris SaintGermain are ready to pounce for the 28-year-old midfielder – but their £50million valuation is £15m short of what United want.
Pogba (below right) has less than 12 months left on his current deal – and United will be faced with seeing him walk away for nothing for the second time in 10 years next summer if he becomes a free agent.
But Solskjaer claimed after yesterday’s pre-season defeat at Queens Park Rangers that Pogba is in his plans for the new season.
Solskjaer said: “The talks are ongoing between Paul’s representatives and the club’s representatives. All
that I’ve ever heard from Paul is that he is looking forward to the start of the season.
“There’s always speculation about him. As for the talks between the club and Paul’s representatives, I’ve not got every detail.
“There are always clubs interested in him. We’ve seen him at his best – and Paul knows what we feel about it.
“I’ve enjoyed my time working with the player and hopefully we can work together.
“It’s all speculation again. Let’s see what happens.”
Pogba left United for Juventus in 2012 and when
he returned to the club four years later it cost the Reds £89m.
It seems unthinkable that United will not try to recoup some cash before the transfer deadline on August 31 – and PSG looks his most likely destination.
While Pogba’s future is in the balance, Solskjaer has signed a new three-year contract.
The £25m deal also has an option for a further 12-month extension from
2024.
United have splashed more than £360m on signings over the last three years in a bid to bring back
the glory days. Jadon Sancho’s £81.5m arrival from Borussia Dortmund was confirmed on Friday.
And United are still in the market for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane and Kieran Trippier of Atletico Madrid.
Solskjaer said: “It’s always an honour to have the role of the manager, to be trusted in that role.
“I’m just continuing the work we have done with the staff.
“There are little things we need to improve. We gradually have improved and become a better team.
“Hopefully, now, we can take the next step
–and that is challenging for trophies.
“We are getting closer and closer to the team I want, to the team I envisage Manchester United being, with attacking flair, pace and defensive solidity.
“Last season we went unbeaten [away from home] in the league, we scored more goals than we have done for many, many years.
“Now we need to tighten up at the back as well. We need to improve in every aspect of the game.”
Sancho will report for duty in ten days’ time, with England team-mates Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire.
Fred will return at the same time after helping Brazil reach the final of the Copa America.
The United boss saw a makeshift team beaten 4-2 by QPR at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
Jesse Lingard gave the Reds an early lead that was quickly wiped out by Charlie Austin’s equaliser.
And the Championship side took control with three goals in seven second-half minutes, Lyndon Dykes netting twice either side of Moses Odubajo’s 25-yard strike.
Anthony Elanga bagged a late consolation.