Prior to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment as Manchester United’s short-term manager, France international Paul Pogba wasn’t sure about his future at Old Trafford due to lack of regular action.
Only few fans will remember that the one-time world’s most expensive player was at Old Trafford, no thanks to the sour relationship that existed between him and Jose Mourinho.
At some point, Mourinho deployed the playmaker in an unfamiliar position as he converted him to a centre-back. But despite this change of role, Pogba show some strong performances in all the games he played as centre-back.
Unfavorable run of results, coupled with unhealthy relationship with players and his employers saw Mourinho being sacked by the club’s hierarchy and he was replaced with Solskjaer.
The former Manchester United striker, who was tagged ‘super sub’ during his active days as player, brought a fresh breath of air into Old Trafford. He created a fun-filled atmosphere for his players whilst making the player understand the importance of unity to a team.
That being said, the Norwegian boss gave Paul Pogba a leading role in his team, giving him the responsibility to direct the team on the pitch even without the captain’s armband.
According to Solskjaer description of Pogba, the 45-year-old said the France World Cup winner is a brilliant player who knows what it’s expected from him and possesses the potentials to deliver.
In his first game as United boss, Ole Solskjaer deployed Pogba in a more advanced role at the middle of the pitch and the Frenchman put up a man-of-the-match performance.
Pogba’s ability to dictate play was seen against Cardiff City in which he helped the team to a 5-1 victory against the Bluebirds.
The more the season progresses, the better the Frenchman who looks reborn and more purposeful under the ever-smiling manager.
After playing 10 games under Solskjaer’s tutelage, Manchester United are yet to taste defeat — winning nine and drawing one — thanks to Pogba’s magnificent performances.
His recent assist in their 1-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday was his 5th since José Mourinho’s departure.
He has equally added goalscoring attributes to his game, the 26-year-old now has six goals since December, therefore, he was involved in 11 out of 27 goals that have been scored since Solskjaer takes charge of the team.
Overall, Pogba has 11 goals and nine assists in all competitions so far this season. His new lease of life under Solskjaer is undeniable as he — and his teammates — now plays with winning mentality and joy, wanting to make the fans and manager happy after every 90 minutes of action.