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Solskjaer slams media on Pogba: There’s an agenda against him


Bangladeshpost
Published : 10 Jul 2019 09:26 PM | Updated : 06 Sep 2020 04:00 PM

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has looked to squash speculation surrounding Paul Pogba's future, suggesting there may be an agenda against the Red Devils star, Goal reports. Pogba’s agent recently told The Times that the troubled 26-year-old intends to leave United, while the player, himself, said in Tokyo last month that he thought it might be time for a “new challenge somewhere else”. Serie A club Juventus and La Liga giants Real Madrid have been linked with Pogba, and the speculation has followed United to Australia on their pre-season tour ahead of a match against A-League side Perth Glory on Saturday. Pogba has two years left on his contract, with the option for a third, however, and Solskjaer hit out at media for indulging in the transfer talk. In his first pre-season press conference in Australia ahead of a friendly against Perth Glory on Saturday, Solskjaer stressed the club hadn't received any offers for Pogba with the midfielder staying in contact with his manager throughout the summer. During the off-season, the French midfielder said he was eager for a new challenge after a few turbulent years at Old Trafford, with his agent Mino Raiola recently suggesting a move away from Old Trafford was on the cards.  Solskjaer has, however, rubbished those claims and believes a recent perceived spat between Pogba and Jesse Lingard highlights a possible media agenda against him.  "It looks like [there's] an agenda against Paul," Solskjaer said. "He’s a top, top bloke. He’s a great professional. He’s never been any problems. He’s got a heart of gold. "For example, yesterday, Jesse and Paul were walking around and it’s been portrayed as a fight between the two boys. But there’s nothing, no problems between the two boys at all. "Paul’s never put himself out of the team, he’s always wanted to play, he’s always given his best. "Agents talk all the time. As I said we’ve not had any bids from any clubs, that’s all I can say about this matter.” "It is the right move to sell Paul Pogba, he's a great player and his talent is unbelievable," Kleberson told Manchester Evening News via YourPromotionalCodes. "But his style is a little bit different, and not particularly what Man Utd need. "He could use this opportunity now to leave and get a fresh start, play in a different atmosphere, and embrace a new challenge."   “There is an agenda against Paul, he’s a top, top bloke. A great professional, there’s never been any problems and he’s got a heart of gold.” Pogba, who moved to Old Trafford from Juventus for a then-world record transfer fee of £89.3 million in August 2016, was named in last season’s PFA Premier League Team of the Year and has scored 31 goals in 142 appearances in all competitions. But he has frustrated fans with his inconsistency, and a series of low-key performances last season culminated in clashes with angry supporters in the final-day home defeat by relegated Cardiff. Manchester United posted a video of the team taking a stroll through Perth on its social media accounts earlier in the week but the upbeat soundtrack of electronic music could not disguise what appeared to be a heated exchange between Pogba and team mate Jesse Lingard. Grinning defender Victor Lindelof came between the pair and threw an arm around Pogba as they continued walking but the moment sparked speculation of a rift in the camp. Solskjaer said there was nothing in it. “For example, Jesse and Paul walking around and it’s been portrayed as a fight between the two boys,” he said. “I know you’re here to sell papers and sell stories but that’s nothing, no problems between the boys at all. They’re all professional. Pre-season has been very, very good so far.” United kick off their new league campaign against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Aug. 11.