Football

Solskjær backs Pogba to show 'world-class' form on return from injury


Ole Gunnar Solskjær is confident Paul Pogba can finally show his “world-class” ability after an injury-blighted season. The Manchester United midfielder may return against Tottenham on Friday, having not played since Boxing Day because of a second serious ankle injury of the campaign.

The manager was asked whether Pogba could settle into a run of consistent form. “I really hope and believe,” Solskjær said. “Of course Paul has had his difficult season with loads of injuries but I can see his mentality and focus now that he is fit and training and available. He is one of the best midfielders in the world so hopefully we can get that going as soon as possible.”

Pogba is one of five United midfielders, along with Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Fred, and Nemanja Matic, considered by Solskjær to be of the requisite quality.

“Any of them would be capable of playing a full season at Man United and being a regular so it’s given me, not a problem, but a nice challenge to choose the right ones,” he said. “They have had a good season. Bruno came in with a great impact [in January] and Paul getting back fit can only help us because he does have qualities that no one else has.”

United are in fifth, three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, are in the FA Cup quarter-finals and look certain to progress to the same stage of the Europa League as they hold a 5-0 lead over Lask going into August’s last‑16 second leg. During a period of poor results, when form plummeted in the latter part of last season with one win in nine matches, Solskjær says he was never concerned.

“I’ve not lost a second of sleep [about my job] because I do what I believe in and if that is not good enough then it’s not good enough,” he said. “I have always believed in what we do as a coaching staff and what we believe in as a club. We have a vision out there, and a plan we want to put into place. These [next] two months will be valuable for us.”

Solskjær believes Marcus Rashford is a potential future England captain and has said it is an honour to manage the striker, whose campaign over free meals for schoolchildren forced a government U-turn.

On Tuesday Boris Johnson reversed a decision not to give vouchers for use in the summer holidays, with the prime minister praising Rashford and his determination on the issue. Rashford has also donated time and money to the FareShare charity, which has raised £20m to help feed vulnerable children.

Solskjær said: “It’s an honour to have Marcus and what he’s done during this lockdown. He’s been unbelievable – [to] help so many people that need it. He’s taken from his own experience when he was a kid. I know how much it means for the kids and we, as a club, are immensely proud of him.

“He’s obviously a top footballer but also a fantastic human being – a future leader, a future captain, maybe, of England, Man United, who knows? He’s already captained the team [United]. We’re really proud of him and his family must be so proud as well of what he has achieved.

“As his manager as well it’s been fantastic to follow Marcus during the lockdown period; he got the prime minister to change his mind. Marcus is such a top human being – he’s changed the lives of so many kids this summer, which is more important than any game he’ll play.”

Solskjær is also supportive of the Black Lives Matter movement and supports players and officials taking a knee, as they did before Wednesday’s Aston Villa v Sheffield United and Manchester City v Arsenal games. United will donate to Kick It Out all proceeds if fans get Black Lives Matter printed on club shirts, at £10 each.

“I feel now maybe this time finally [things] are changing and it’s been on the agenda for many, many years – this issue of racism,” he said.

“This time hopefully it will affect more people, leaders of countries and decision makers but we all support the actions.”

United resume their season at Tottenham, the first of nine league games. Solskjær, who is without the injured Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, said: “It’s big against one of the best teams in the league, Champions League finalists a year ago. We’ve prepared as well as we can, we’ve had a couple of in-house 11 v 11s and one 11 v 11 against West Brom. They look fit and ready.”

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder Angel Gomes may sign a fresh deal. “Hopefully he’ll take that and if not I wish him all the best,” the manager said. “From what I understand it’s not too far away.”



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