Pranav Nair
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer makes a surprising comment on assist statistics clocked by Manchester United star Paul Pogba
According to The Daily Star, Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has played down the number of assists made by superstar midfielder Paul Pogba this season.
The French World Cup winner has started the campaign in fine form, laying off seven assists in just four Premier League games so far. This puts him within sight of the record of 20 assists set by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Manchester City ace Kevin de Bruyne.
Solskjaer believes while Pogba has made assists, they have not necessarily come from his best actions. A rather unnecessary comment if there ever was one.
“What does an assist consist of? A square pass to Bruno (Fernandes) and he puts it in the top corner? Or a great ball for Mason (Greenwood)? Paul has always been a great passer and he’s not got assists from his best passes this season.”
Solskjaer is, however, in no way disparaging Pogba’s contributions. He admits that the Frenchman has done well but goes on to add that there is more to what meets the eye than mere statistics,
“I don’t pay attention to assists, it’s a social media thing. But Paul has played well for sure.”
The United manager’s comments hint at a carrot and stick policy that could be aimed at coaxing out more from Pogba. Given that the player’s contract is up next year, it remains to be seen what he decides to do.
Solskjaer also weighed in on the 28-year-old’s future at the club, albeit indirectly. He went on to add that achieving success on the pitch could prove to be the solution to retaining Pogba’s services.
“It’s the most magical feeling in the world to be part of a winning Manchester United team.”
Solskjaer has taken United to various semifinals and a Europa League final in recent seasons. Having reinforced his squad well in the off-season, he now has the resources to gun for glory this time around.
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While Solskjaer’s comments aren’t vile or dismissive, there is every chance that they can get lost in translation. The United manager has an opinion about everything. He is sometimes better off being simple and straightforward than try to spin yarns into stories.
