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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has an “open dialogue” with Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba about his future.
The 27-year-old has been the subject of regular speculation since returning to Old Trafford from Juventus in 2016 for a world-record fee, thanks in large part to comments from his agent.
Mino Raiola caused a stir in December when he claimed his client was unhappy and “needs to change teams,” prompting Pogba to post on Instagram suggesting that he had no intention of leaving anytime soon.
The French international’s contract expires in 2022 after United activated the one-year extension clause in his contract and last week said he would “talk to the club and see what is happening.”
Saturday February 6 7:45 pm
Start 8:00 pm
Mathias Pogba has since said that the club needs to sell his brother this summer if they want to get a fee back, but Solskjaer said: “Speculation about Paul will always be there.
“We have a good open dialogue with Paul, so what we talk about and how we see that situation remains between us, of course.
“I’m happy that he’s focused, he’s playing really well and he’s happy with himself and that’s important. You can see Paul now enjoying playing football in a red jersey.”
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FREE TO SEE: Highlights of Manchester United’s victory against Southampton in the Premier League
Pogba has struggled to stay in shape after shining through Solskjaer’s first few months in the hot seat, but now he appears to be returning to his best and was named United’s January Player of the Month.
“I think you should ask Paul what he did because the answer is that Paul has really passed out,” Solskjaer said.
“He’s worked hard, he’s fit. I’ve said it many times, he had a bad season last season with injuries, he had Covid this season, he had an injury but he really works hard and he’s playing for a team that plays well.
“He is a great inspiration for everyone. He always has a big smile … well, not always a big smile because in training yesterday when his team lost you can see how that affects him and he was not happy. But today it was a new day and ready to come back tomorrow. “
Pogba has been an important player for United during a hectic period, but was an unused substitute in Tuesday’s 9-0 beating of nine-man Southampton.
Solskjaer says “no one is guaranteed a place in the team like a season ticket here” thanks to the great competition at a club that tends to look at their summer transfer plans around this time.
Solskjaer will mark his 100th Premier League match as manager when Manchester United take on Everton on Saturday.
“I still think we are doing the same planning, preparation but of course the pandemic has changed the market and changed the world, and it could affect what we can do,” said the United manager before Saturday’s game against Everton. , live. in Sky Sports Premier League.
“We just have to see where we are in the next few months, of course, but we are looking at the players and goals as we normally would.”
“But I think we’ve done very good business in the last few windows and it’s not wholesale changes we have to do. It’s a rare contribution and addition to the team.”
Manchester United are looking to clinch back-to-back victories at Old Trafford against Everton on Saturday after Tuesday’s 9-0 Premier League win over Southampton.
‘Tom Brady an example for every athlete’
United’s maligned owners have come under fire for their support of coaches, but the Glazers are likely to be much more popular in Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers host the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Sunday.
“I think when you operate at the top you try to broaden your horizon, you have a network that you talk to, of course,” Solskjaer said. “I am very happy for the Glazers and the owners that they are playing the Super Bowl this weekend.
“For me, the big learning from that is maybe the Tom Brady story: what he does to keep going at that age and be so professional.
Solskjaer says Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady sets an example for all athletes
“He’s come to the club and brought them to the Super Bowl. He’s not alone, of course, but we tell our young players to be at the highest level that it’s not just natural talent. But it’s dedication, hard work, focus. .
“We have the example of Edinson (Cavani) coming into our place and how much a player can influence a team. We’ve had Eric Cantona come into the team with that experience.
“So Tom Brady is an example to all athletes that it is still possible even at the age of 42 or 43, whatever it is now.”
Watch Manchester United vs Everton live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7:45 pm on Saturday; start 8pm.
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