Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Paul Pogba is happy at the club, amid rumours linking the midfielder with Real Madrid.
Pogba described the Spanish giants as “a dream club for every player” while on international duty with France, and Real boss Zinedine Zidane has said he likes the 26-year-old “a lot”.
“He didn’t talk about himself. He said anyone would like to play for Real Madrid.” Solskjaer said on Monday:
Pogba rejoined United from Juventus in 2016 for a then world record £89m but his future at Old Trafford appeared in doubt earlier this season.
There were widespread reports of acrimony between the Frenchman and former manager Jose Mourinho, before the Portuguese was sacked in December and replaced by Solskjaer.
Pogba has scored nine goals since the Norwegian took charge.
“Paul is happy here, he’s playing well,” said Solskjaer.
“He’s going to be a big, big part. You like to build your team
round him and that hasn’t changed at all.” Solskjaer
Fourth-placed United go to Wolves in the Premier League on Tuesday (19:45 BST kick-off) and Solskjaer confirmed striker Romelu Lukaku is fit to return following a foot injury, as is forward Anthony Martial, who picked up a knock in Saturday’s home win over Watford.
‘I thought my dream job would never happen’
On Thursday, former United striker Solskjaer signed a three-year contract at Old Trafford having been
It is the second time he has managed in the Premier League following a brief spell at Cardiff City in 2014, during which the Bluebirds were relegated to the Championship.
“When I had my failure at Cardiff I thought my dream of this job would never happen, then when they rang before Christmas I thought: ‘It’s six months and I’m going to enjoy it,'” said the 46-year-old.
“I felt happy, comfortable and thought I had something to add to the club. I started to think maybe I could do it.
“I want to be part of this club long term.”
Solskjaer brought in Mike Phelan as his assistant when he arrived in December.
Phelan, who served in the same position under Sir Alex Ferguson at United, is still contracted to the Central Coast Mariners in Australia – but Solskjaer wants him permanently at Old Trafford.
“I am sure things will get sorted very soon,” he said.