Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has explained what he thinks is behind Paul Pogba’s excellent run of form, and given an insight into their relationship.The Frenchman has been superb in recent weeks and picked up our Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards in January.
Although Pogba was rested for Tuesday’s emphatic 9-0 win over Southampton, the midfielder has been an inspiration both on and off the pitch.
The second part of Friday’s pre-match press conference was dominated by questions about our no.6 and Ole was quizzed about the factors he believes can explain Paul’s award-winning month.
“I think you should ask Paul what he’s done,” the boss responded to a question in the second half of the media briefing. “The answer is Paul has really knuckled down, he’s worked hard, got his fitness. I’ve said this many a time, he’s had a bad season last season with injuries, he got COVID this season, he had an injury [as well]…But he works hard, he’s playing in a team that plays well, of course. He’s a big inspiration for everyone, he always has a big smile – not always a big smile, because yesterday in training, when his team lost, you can see how that affects him and he wasn’t happy. Today was a new day and he’s ready to go tomorrow.”
Ole was asked about the pair’s relationship and Ole revealed he treats each of his players differently, and reiterated Paul’s commitment to the Reds is evident from the standard of his performances over the last few weeks.
“I think it’s important for every player that you have a one-to-one relationship, have an open relationship and you can be honest about the situation,” Ole told reporters via video link. “I try to manage every player as a different individual and a different human being. That’s the way I like to be managed and, hopefully, the boys feel like I’m trying to get the best out of them to make a good team together…Our conversations stay private, of course,”
he continued.
“Paul is a Man United player through and through. He’s been here in two spells.
“He came here as a kid, he learned about the history of the club and the passion of the club. He wants to do the best for Man United, when he’s here, and I think we’ve seen that he really cares for his team and he’s trying to be successful, as everyone else is.
“Speculation about Paul is always going to be there. We have a good open dialogue with Paul,” Ole added. “I’m just happy he’s focused, playing really well and he’s happy in himself, and that’s important. You can see now Paul is enjoying playing with a red shirt on.”
