I’m not going to speak for Pogba – Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted he would not speak on Paul Pogba’s behalf when asked if the France star was happy at Manchester United.

Pogba started on the bench in United’s crucial Champions League clash with RB Leipzig on Tuesday – a match which Solskjaer’s side, who needed at least a point to progress to the last 16, lost 3-2.

The 27-year-old has been the subject of major media speculation after his agent, Mino Raiola, declared that Pogba wished to leave United, with a return to his former club Juventus mooted.

In a twist of fate, Pogba very nearly inspired United’s comeback on what proved to be a dismal night in Germany.

Having replaced Nemanja Matic just after the hour, Pogba witnessed United fall 3-0 down when Justin Kluivert beat David de Gea to a loose ball in the 69th minute.

Yet with Bruno Fernandes scoring from the spot – his 13th penalty goal in all competitions for United, a joint-high with Cristiano Ronaldo across Europe’s top five leagues since February – Pogba then turned in a second.

His towering header seemed to take a touch off Harry Maguire as it went in, though VAR could not distinguish if it had hit United’s captain, either on the hand or the head.

Pogba, who during his time on the pitch had 29 touches and created two chances, then sent in a fizzing cross which Ibrahima Konate would have turned into his own net if not for Peter Gulacsi’s reactions.

Quizzed over Pogba’s satisfaction at United, Solskjaer told BT Sport: “You’ve got to ask Paul if he’s happy or unhappy, I’m not going to speak for him.

“Paul’s focused hard on doing his best for the team, he’s here, he’s working, he’s training and he just needs to focus on his performances.”

Solskjaer was also asked if Pogba would be made available for a transfer in January.

“Now is not the time to discuss transfer targets or ins and outs at the club,” Solskjaer stated.

Expanding on the subject in his post-match news conference, Solskjaer added: “The squad is fine, they’re a team, they stick together.

“As soon as Paul’s agent realises this is a team sport and we work together the better and that’s maybe the last thing I’ll say on that.

“What we speak about in the background is something else. I’m not going to talk about Paul’s agent anymore.”

Pogba, United’s club-record signing, has seen his place in the side come under increased scrutiny, and he has managed just 463 minutes of game time in the Premier League this season, with Fred, who was suspended for Tuesday’s game, and Scott McTominay often preferred in midfield.

His first league goal of the season came in stunning fashion against West Ham last time out, as United came from behind to record a 3-1 victory at London Stadium.

Pogba has crafted just two opportunities for team-mates across eight league appearances – United’s talisman Fernandes has played 35 key passes, registering four assists.

Fernandes has also played 105 passes into the final third, 49 more than Pogba (56).