Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: “I’ve never had a problem with Pogba”

Pogba is in a rich vein of form

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has opened up on his relationship with Manchester United's mercurial star man Paul Pogba, insisting there was never a problem between them. "My job is to be open and honest with him. I’ve never had a problem with him," the Manchester United manager said in his pre-match press conference ahead of their FA Cup tie against rivals Liverpool. "I talk openly and directly with Paul. I’m not going to tell anyone what my advice to him is but I have always had a good relationship with him. He comes from a great family, he’s a very sensible boy and he knows what I’m talking about when we speak." Pogba is enjoying arguably his best run of form since he returned to Manchester United in 2016, scoring a belting winner against Fulham in midweek after an intelligent performance against Liverpool. This comes just weeks after Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola was stirring up a storm by claiming his client was unhappy in Manchester.

“He’s up front and honest with me too," Solskjaer added.

"And what people don’t see with Paul is even when he isn’t playing, he’s contributed loads in the background. Sometimes he’s even acted as the interpreter between me and different players – even when he isn’t playing. He always respects my decisions and we’ve always had a very good working relationship.”

The Norwegian was also full of praise for three senior players - Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani - in his side, hailing their winning mentality.

"That’s part of my thinking when you bring players in," he said.

"You don’t just bring big talents in, you try to do a test of character or do research as much as you can to have the right types. Because there are always players who think: 'There’s a game next week and I’ll still get my wages.'"