Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer addresses Paul Pogba rumours
Manchester United are in Perth preparing for games against Perth Glory and Leeds United. But all the focus is on their star midfielder.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has played down talk Paul Pogba is unhappy at the club, saying the media may have an agenda against the star midfielder.
Pogba appeared to exchange some harsh words with teammate Jesse Lingard during a light team walk after touching down in Perth on Monday.
Manchester United played down the incident, saying the two players weren’t in a spat.
Pogba’s manager has already publicly stated that the French World Cup winner wants to leave Manchester United, with Juventus and Real Madrid the two clubs he has been linked to.
Solskjaer was peppered with questions about Pogba during his press conference in Perth on Wednesday.
The new coach did his best to play down the drama, instead pointing the finger at the media.
“There’s an agenda against Paul,” Solskjaer said.
“For example Jesse and Paul walking around - it’s been portrayed as a fight between the two boys.
“I know you’re here to sell papers and sell stories, but there’s no problems between the boys at all. The pre-season has been very good.
“He (Pogba) is a top bloke. There’s never been any problems. He’s got a heart of gold.” Pogba has two more years remaining on his contract, and Solskjaer tried to deflect questions about the prospect of the 26-year-old leaving. “Agents talk all the time. We’ve not had any bids from any clubs. That’s all I can say about this matter,” he said.
“What I will say is that Paul has never put himself out of the team. He’s always wanted to play. He’s always given his best.
“Paul’s never been a concern for me. When he’s on the pitch he’s working hard. He’s a true professional.” Manchester United play Perth Glory on Saturday night, before facing off against Leeds four days later.
More than 10,000 fans are expected to turn out for United’s open training session at the WACA Ground on Thursday evening.
Solskjaer praised the facilities in Perth, and said the pre-season tour would form an important part of Manchester’s bid to power up the table next season. The Red Devils finished a disappointing sixth last season - a whopping 32 points adrift of arch rivals and eventual champions Manchester City.