Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is banking on his strong bond with Paul Pogba keeping the Frenchman at Old Trafford.
Soskjaer has been resolute in his refusal to accept that the £89m midfielder is heading for Real Madrid after Pogba’s three-month absence with an ankle injury was extended by a bout of illness.
The 26-year-old has been spotted dancing at his brother’s wedding and walking his dog in recent days – sparking suggestions that he is trying to force United to sell him.
But Solskjaer first got to know Pogba when he was manager of United’s reserves and the World Cup-winner was trying to force his way into Sir Alex Ferguson’s all-conquering team.
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And the Reds’ boss insists he trusts the midfielder to do the right thing.
Solskjaer said: “I have a good relationship with Paul. I had him when he was young and it’s an open and honest relationship.
“If you can’t walk your dog, then something must really be wrong with you.
“Everyone is allowed to be injured. I was out for 18 months once – and I was at weddings and I was ill and doing other things. I wasn’t the best dancer – certainly not as good as Paul!
“Paul is a Man United player and he is a player we are happy to have in the squad. For me, he is one of the best players in the world – but he needs to be fit.”
