Solskjaer hails Pogba´s leadership and focus ahead of Liverpool clash

Paul Pogba’s leadership and focus has earned praise from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is pleased the flamboyant Manchester United star has not left himself open to criticism.

Pogba is flying high ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown against rivals Liverpool, with nine goals and six assists in all competitions since caretaker manager Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho in December.

The French World Cup winner’s form is in stark contrast to his performances prior to Mourinho’s sacking – Pogba’s focus and social media activity questioned by the Portuguese boss and pundits.

Pogba, who was an unused substitute in the 3-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield in December, has also been known for his flashy haircuts.

But the 25-year-old midfielder has appeared a lot more grounded under Solskjaer, much to the Norwegian’s delight with Liverpool set to visit Old Trafford.

Ole on @PaulPogba: “He’s a top player that I’ve liked ever since I saw him as a kid. He’s a World Cup winner, he’s a leader in the dressing room and on the pitch, and he wants the ball all the time.” #MUFC pic.twitter.com/BoHiGcFHrm

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 22, 2019

“Paul has always been a larger-than-life character. He has a fantastic family but you don’t do yourself any favours at times with stuff like that,” said Solskjaer.

“You don’t want to give anyone an excuse really so, of course, you don’t go to the Brit Awards this week. We know leading up to our last game against Liverpool there were stories about players not being focused.

“It is not about that. We know they are focused, we know they are doing their best and that is just Paul being Paul. But he does help himself by toning it down a bit.

“Maybe he does not have the energy to do it now. Who knows? But I have not said anything to him about it. I have talked to the whole team about expectations and the standards we have and what I expect from them.

“Paul is a leader in training, he is a leader in the dressing room. Players are allowed to be themselves and that’s my job as well – to allow that. He spends a lot of energy being a leader on and off the pitch. If you want the nice car, different haircut, that’s no problem.

“I can’t do anything about my grey hair! But you are allowed to have different hair, it is not a problem to have whatever haircut you want. It has never been a problem with Paul. I remember when he was 16 he wanted to feel good. If you feel good you will play well.”

 #MUFC v Liverpool: the tale of the tape pic.twitter.com/ybYnFmhZZJ

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 22, 2019

Solskjaer added: “I am a bit older than them and don’t understand all this social media, even though I posted a picture of Rashy’s shirt over my television when he scored against Liverpool last time at Old Trafford! That maybe was one of my five or six tweets ever!

“And you would be surprised by the number of minutes he’s played this season. Apart from David de Gea and maybe Nemanja Matic he has played the most minutes for us in the league even though there was a perception that Jose left him out all the time.”