Despite delivering some of the best performances, Paul Pogba’s recent career and gameplay were heavily under fire. It was mainly due to his repeated injuries and illness in the last few months. He also tested positive with the Covid-19 and remained sidelined from the starting squad for many days. However, the Red Devils coach now has high hopes for the French midfielder.
Needless to say, Pogba is one of the best players in the Premier League. Besides, he is also one of the best recruits of the Manchester United club in recent times. And now, he displayed a brilliant performance this week as the Red Devils defeated Aston Villa with a hard-fought 2-1 score. And with this win, he helped the side to level up with the reigning Premier League champion, Liverpool.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Paul Pogba is getting better with time in Manchester United
A collective effort to secure the win ➕3⃣
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— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 1, 2021
However, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now has high hopes for the player. While talking about Pogba’s performance against Aston Villa, Solskjaer told Sky Sports, “He’s getting better and better, fitter and fitter.” He then also added, “He played well today. They’re a physical side. Paul’s one of these boys who can hold players off and get hold of the ball for us.”
The Manchester United manager said, “You are always delighted with three points. The performance was good and we created chances. We had a good save at the end and Eric Bailly made a fantastic block so that probably saved two points for us.” He added, “It was maybe a little too open and we wasted chances. We tried to play the Hollywood pass instead of securing the first one and using the space that was there.”
Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa | Full Highlights
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said, “Of course we are happy with what we are doing. We have shown we have improved a lot in a year. We lost to Arsenal away last New Year’s Day. And we have improved immensely. We are getting fitter and fitter and stronger and stronger.” He added, “These players have great age. They are learning and are hungry to learn which is important. They come in every day with a hunger and desire to be the best on match day. Besides, they have been focused on.”
However, Aston Villa manager Dean Smith accused Pogba and said, “I thought it was a penalty at the time, but I looked at it after the game and saw he tripped himself. I don’t see why [referee] Michael Oliver couldn’t have looked at it. That’s what VAR is for isn’t it?” He added, “He’s tripped himself up. There are margins in football. I’ve seen it again, and I don’t think it’s a penalty.”