Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed what he had said to Paul Pogba prior to Manchester United’s season opener against Leeds United.
Speaking to the media after the game, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed his pre-match message to Paul Pogba, prior to his incredible display against Leeds United.
In a packed Old Trafford, Manchester United kickstarted their 2021/22 campaign with a thumping 5-1 win over their arch-rivals. Pogba was among the star performers, alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood.
The Frenchman bagged four assists out of the five goals, thus maintaining his form from the European Championship with France. It was a much-needed performance in Man United colours especially, having been linked with a move away from Old Trafford throughout the summer.
Paris Saint-Germain were one of the clubs linked with a swoop for the former Juventus superstar, prior to their capture of Barcelona icon Lionel Messi. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, though, has always maintained a calm attitude when treating Pogba, often a subject of major criticism among certain sects of the Manchester United fanbase.
And speaking after the game, the Norwegian tactician has unveiled what he had said to the talented midfielder prior to the game.
“Today’s message was just about: go out and enjoy yourself. He had 45 minutes against Everton [in pre-season], which was not his best. But today we just gave him the freedom overall, to go wherever he wanted to go. We wanted him to get on the ball,” he told BT Sports, as reported by Express.
Solskjaer further insisted that the club firmly trusts on the Frenchman, who is considered as one of the major components in his tactical setup while also praising his performance against Leeds United. “All the best players would want to feel our trust in them, our confidence. And Paul is one of those players who can create something out of nothing. He looked so strong and I was impressed by his fitness. That’s a good sign.”
The positive comments from the Manchester United boss will certainly serve as a real confidence-booster for Pogba as he hopes to finally stamp his authority in the Old Trafford camp.
Fortunately for the fans, the possibility of him leaving the club remains minimal as most top clubs across Europe are facing financial instability in the wake of the pandemic. It should be enough to ensure another year in England, and perhaps even a prolonged stay in Manchester, should the club reach its goals and expectations this season.
After a 5-1 victory against Leeds United, the Red Devils play their next game away from home, as they travel to St. Mary’s Stadium to face Southampton next weekend.
