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Football

26th Dec 2018

Solskjaer: It’s a response and Paul Pogba loves playing for this club

Jack O'Toole

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said that Paul Pogba loves playing for the club and that his current form reminds him of his younger days in Manchester.

Solskjaer succeeded former United manager Jose Mourinho last week and has seemingly lit a fire under Pogba with the French World Cup winner scoring two goals and notching three assists in his last two matches.

The 25-year-old has thrived since the arrival of Solskjaer and the Norwegian manager insists that ‘he’s a Manchester United boy through and through’.

“That’s the Paul I have known since he was in the reserves and youth team,” Solskjaer said via the BBC.

“He’s always been a happy boy, a big smile on his face and when you score two you’re happy. It’s a response and Paul loves playing for this club. He’s a Manchester United boy through and through and knows what it means to play for the club.”

Solskjaer received a huge ovation from the Old Trafford crowd in what his first game back since taking charge of the club and he said afterwards that the 3-1 win over Huddersfield would be a game and a day that he would never forget.

“It’s humbling knowing I’m leading this team out,” the former striker added.

“Let’s see if I get used to it. I captained a couple of games but this was very different. They are the best fans in the world. I had such a great relationship with them.

“It was special hearing the crowd singing my song. It makes you really proud – and my family – and it’s a day I’ll never forget.

“I was surprisingly calm all day. The lads have helped me settle in really quickly.”