Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hopeful of getting his 27-year-old United midfielder Paul Pogba firing on all cylinders again and expects him to display the kind of leadership on the pitch that made him a World Cup winner with France when he returns to action in the Premier League, the manager has disclosed.
Pogba had evidently been struggling to recreate the scintillating form that garnered him World Cup glory and has since been limited to five league starts for United this season due to ankle and foot injuries. Speaking ahead of United’s league clash at Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, Solskjaer told reporters:
“He’s a World Cup winner and we want to have that leadership on the pitch as well.”
“He has always had quality. He’s one of the best midfielders in the world, so hopefully we can get that going as soon as possible… gradually over the next few months we can work him up back to his best.
“Of course, Paul has had his difficult season this year with loads of injuries but I can see his mentality and focus now that he’s fit and training and available… he’s ready to play again and to prove himself.”
United are back in action for the first time since the league was suspended three months ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are currently fifth in the standings with 45 points.