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Solskjaer thrilled at Pogba resurgence with Manchester United convinced over new deal as Raiola tensions thaw

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Getty Images

Paul Pogba is happy again – and a thawing in relations between his agent Mino Raiola and Old Trafford’s hierarchy has convinced Manchester United they can keep him at the club for the long-term.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims the Frenchman is enjoying his football again, 12 months after he failed to force a move to Real Madrid.

Pogba revealed last summer that he was ready for a new challenge, with Zinedine Zidane desperate to take him to the Bernabeu.

But he has been rejuvenated at United after an injury-ravaged season, with Solskjaer hailing his effect on the dressing room.

And now the United manager believes Pogba could be the man to inspire his developing team to a first piece of silverware after touching down in Cologne for the Europa League.

United face FC Copenhagen on Monday night in the quarter-finals of the competition, which will be played in a truncated single-game knockout format.

Solskjaer said: “I’ve answered numerous questions on Paul. I’m delighted he’s back playing, he’s fit, he’s enjoying his football - of course he has got to make up for lost time.

“He is trying to do that. He is training, he is always giving extra and is a great personality in and around the place. Hopefully we can see him lift this trophy.

“He’s professional, a fantastic boy and I’m delighted we have him in the team.”

Pogba was widely expected to go this summer, particularly after Raiola publicly hit out at Solskjaer in February.

The agent was also vocal in his criticism of United, claiming he would never send another client to the club.

But relations between Raiola and Old Trafford’s hierarchy are understood to have improved significantly as the season has progressed.

He even reached out to Ed Woodward after United’s executive vice-chairman suffered the trauma of his home being targeted by angry fans protesting against his running of the club.

A significantly depressed transfer market has also added to the optimism within United that Pogba could be convinced to extend his contract beyond 2022. But Solskjaer’s handling of him has also been key to an easing of tensions.

The Norwegian never closed the door on the possibility of Pogba remaining and has continued to support him during a testing campaign that saw the World Cup-winner sidelined for the majority with foot and ankle problems.

The arrival of Bruno Fernandes has also played a role in lifting his spirits, with the pair already striking up a promising partnership in midfield.

Pogba's partnership with January signing Bruno Fernandes has been particularly crucial to that resurgence (Pool via REUTERS)
Pogba's partnership with January signing Bruno Fernandes has been particularly crucial to that resurgence (Pool via REUTERS)

They were pivotal to United’s outstanding post-lockdown run, which saw them secure third place and a return to the Champions League. In total, United have lost just one game in their last 23 in all competitions – the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

That one loss goes a long way to explaining Solskjaer’s determination to triumph in the Europa League, even though the added carrot of Champions League qualification is no longer a motivating factor.

“We went into this season knowing the Europa League is a great chance for us,” said the United manager. “One - to get a trophy, to get far in a tournament. But also to groom a few of the youngsters and it was perfect for us.

“The Champions League this season, of course we all want [it], but maybe we wouldn’t have had the chance to play the likes of Brandon (Williams) and Mason (Greenwood) - the young kids who have now started what will be fantastic careers.

“The Europa League is about keeping the squad together, giving people chances and them taking them.

“We have developed through the season. We had a squad that’s been working together.

“There were a few changes in January that made us even stronger, the teamwork we have done, all the principles, getting more and more in the group.

“It’s been more and more natural and we found good form and got players back from injury. But one (defeat) in 23 is too many.”

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