Share

Pogba credits Solskjaer for putting smile back on his face

London - French midfielder Paul Pogba says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's arrival as interim manager at Manchester United has not only sparked his return to form but also put a smile back on his face.

READ: Jesus shines as Man City beat 10-man Wolves

The 25-year-old - an integral figure in France's World Cup triumph last year - has shown the sort of form that United paid a club record £89 million in 2016 since Solskjaer arrived last month to replace the sacked Jose Mourinho.

Pogba's relationship with the volatile Mourinho had been pretty much toxic all season - having already degenerated in the previous campaign - and he found himself relegated to the substitutes bench. 

"Before the coach (Solskjaer) arrived I was in the shadows, on the bench, and I accepted that," he said after the impressive 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

"It is a pleasure to play again. Now I am always smiling."

Solskjaer, who The Sun reported on Tuesday is in pole position to get the job permanently as he has impressed the board and has the unanimous support of the players, has won six from six since his arrival.

Pogba - who had been linked with a move away if Mourinho had stayed - says a lot of that can be put down to the fact Solskjaer knows the club inside out having played for them and then been on the coaching staff.

Pogba was at United in his first spell at the club in 2010 when he first encountered Solskjaer, who had moved on from playing to become reserve team coach.

"It's a pleasure to be reunited with him," said Pogba.

"I knew him from the academy and the reserves, when his nickname was 'Supersub'.

"He is doing a really good job. As a player he knew the mentality of this club. He has come back to help us and it is going very well."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE