Pogba will play "loads of games" for United - Solksjaer plays down Madrid talk
While the Real Madrid links have not subsided, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident that Paul Pogba will still play many more games for Man United.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident that Paul Pogba still has “loads of games" to play for the club, despite the doubts hanging over the Frenchman’s future at Old Trafford.
Having been heavily linked with Real Madrid in the summer, Pogba has not played any part for Manchester United since 30 September due to an ankle injury. Before the injury, the 26-year-old midfielder had played six games for the Red Devils, providing two assists.
Speaking ahead of Man United’s clash with AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, United boss Solskjaer said the French playmaker is “back on the grass and training” and hopes to have him in his team again before the end of the year.
“We hope he will be back this year. He's working hard to get fit and hopefully we can get him back on the pitch,” said the Norwegian coach.
“For me, he is one of the best players in the world and I look forward to having him back."
Pogba-Real Madrid links have not gone away
Pogba had spoken of a desire for a new challenge and the dream of playing for Real Madrid in the summer, while Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane had admitted he would welcome his compatriot at the Bernabéu with open arms.
Eventually, Madrid’s ‘Operation Pogba’ didn’t materialise but that has not stopped talk that the move will happen sooner or later.
And while the Madrid links have not gone away over the course of the season, Solskjaer said he believed that the World Cup winner would still play many more games for United, thus ruling out a January move to the Spanish capital.
“Let’s get him fit and back in form. He will play loads of games,” he said.
Following two impressive back-to-back victories against Tottenham and Manchester City in the Premier League, United host AZ Alkmaar having already secured qualification for the Europe League second round.