In Brief

Paul Pogba’s smile returns thanks to Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

United players keen for the Norwegian to become the next permanent manager

15 Jan 2019

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Manchester United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shakes hands with Paul Pogba 

Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Manchester United star midfielder Paul Pogba has heaped praise on caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Since the Norwegian was named interim boss in December the Red Devils have won six successive matches, including Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Tottenham at Wembley.

During Jose Mourinho’s final months in charge United failed to live up to their potential, but under Solskjaer the Old Trafford squad has been given a new lease of life.

One player who has shined under Solskjaer’s management is French World Cup winner Pogba. The 25-year-old says he’s back “smiling” after time in the “shadows”.

Pogba told The Guardian: “Before the coach arrived I was in the shadows, on the bench, and I accepted that. It is a pleasure to play again. Now I am always smiling.

“It’s a pleasure to be reunited with him [Solskjaer]. 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.”

According to The Daily Telegraph there is “growing momentum within the Old Trafford dressing room” for Solskjaer to be named the permanent manager at the end of the season.

In their next Premier League match United host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday (3pm).