Football

Pogba’s drive impresses Solskjaer

Manchester United's French midfielder Paul Pogba warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Manchester United at The London Stadium, in east London on December 5, 2020. (Photo by Justin Setterfield / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Manchester United’s French midfielder Paul Pogba warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Manchester United at The London Stadium, in east London on December 5, 2020. (Photo by Justin Setterfield / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was left impressed by Paul Pogba’s virtuoso display as Manchester United defeated Aston Villa 2-1 to go level on points with the Leaders Liverpool in the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford both needed in Friday’s win which means that United are now unbeaten run in the Premier League in the last 10 games.
Solskjaer felt Pogba’s ability on the ball helped repel a physical Villa team, the France international impressing again in the United midfield as he continues to improve after recovering from coronavirus.
“He’s getting better and better, fitter and fitter. I think he played well today,” Solskjaer said to Sky Sports about Pogba, who attempted more passes and more passes in the opposing team’s half than any other home player.
“They are a physical side, there were loads of challenges, one against one situations. Paul’s one of these boys that can hold players off, get hold of it for us.
“But, not just Paul, we were too keen to play the killer pass. We knew they were going to drop off, then there are other spaces in behind we should have used.”
Pogba had the most number of touches for United (69), while also winning 52.6 per cent of his 19 total duels.
The 27-year-old – whose long-term future at the club remains unclear – was fouled twice during the game, one of those occasions leading to the penalty that Bruno Fernandes converted in the second half, seeing the hosts reclaim the lead.
Anthony Martial had put them ahead earlier in the contest, scoring just his second league goal of a campaign disrupted by both injuries and a three-game suspension.
Solskjaer hopes the French forward – who has now scored on all seven days of the week in the Premier League – can build on his performance.
“He’s had chances all season, maybe his confidence has had a bit of a knock earlier with the sending off, and some niggles he’s had.
“Now he’s firing, getting better and better.”United are back in action on Wednesday, hosting neighbours Manchester City in the last four of the EFL Cup.
They are next on duty in the league on January 12, travelling to take on Burnley five days before a huge trip to defending champions Liverpool.