Pogba talks up Solskjaer relationship in Manchester United boost

Paul Pogba has talked up his relationship with Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in what is a boost for the club’s chances of retaining the midfielder.

The France international has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid and Juventus this summer after reportedly deciding at the end of last season he wants to leave United.

United have told potential suitors Pogba is not for sale at any price, while Madrid want the 2018 World Cup winner to push for a move away from Old Trafford in public.

Christian Eriksen, who is another Madrid target, has done just that, but rather than follow suit, Pogba has talked up his relationship with United boss Solskjaer.

“He is just a happy person,” Pogba told The Times’ LifeTimes podcast when asked about Solskjaer, via The Sun. “He just smiles every time and he brings smiles to people.

“I had the chance to be with him a few times in the reserves. So I have known him for a long time and have a very good relationship with him.

“Even once when I was at Juventus, we saw each other. He is a very nice guy, a very good person.

“He has been very nice with the players and very close to the players. The first thing he said when he came in was: ‘enjoy playing football’.

“That is the only thing he said to us and that’s what we did and what we do. The last months were not the best and when you don’t win games, you don’t enjoy. It was tough.

“But we had injured players as well and I think that had an impact on results. We are still learning, still growing and trying to come back to the top.

“We want to play in the Champions League, win the Premier League – that is the goal of the club. So that’s what we try to do and that’s why Ole came back.”

Pogba enjoyed his best ever season in front of goal in 2018/19 after scoring 13 goals in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old also registered nine assists and won the WhoScored Man of the Match award on seven occasions.

In fact, Pogba played a direct hand in 32.3% of the goals United scored in the Premier League last term.