Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended Paul Pogba as he is adamant his star midfielder is still committed to the club. Pogba hasn’t played for United since injuring his ankle against Southampton in September but caused a storm this week when he was pictured playing basketball with Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler without a brace on, report agencies.
Spanish radio station COPE claimed that the France international has been refusing to feature for the Red Devils in a bid to force a January move to Real Madrid.
It was also suggested that the Manchester giants are hiding the truth behind his absence because it would surely drive any potential transfer fee down and end the club’s bid of claiming up to £130million for the Frenchman.
However, Solskjaer dismissed all that speculation as he said that the 26-year-old is working hard to regain full fitness and could make his long-anticipated comeback against Tottenham on Wednesday.
The Norwegian manager admitted that the team has greatly missed him and it will feel like a “new world-class signing” when he returns to the fold. Pogba won’t be available for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa at home but he is very likely to play against Spurs next week on a night that will see Jose Mourinho returning to Solskjaer said: “Every player is allowed to be injured when he's injured. "Paul is working hard to be back and no-one can doubt his professionalism or his willingness or desire to play football.
"He's a footballer and he's also one of the best midfielders in the world, so it will be like signing a new player before the transfer window opens.
"Of course we've missed him while he's been away. Some of the players, like Scott McTominay and Fred, have taken up that [midfield] challenge and have done well but, of course, it's a boost for us when he comes back.
