Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Gives Latest on Man Utd Futures of Paul Pogba & Odion Ighalo

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has stated that people can ‘expect’ Paul Pogba to still be at Old Trafford next season. 

His words follow months of speculation about the midfielder’s uncertain future, which has further been fed by his lengthy absence through injury.

At one point, Solskjaer and United appeared to be on collision course with Pogba’s outspoken agent, Mino Raiola, although the war of words cooled when Raiola appeared to climb down last month and admitted that he and his client would be open to new contract talks.

As things stand, Pogba is under contract at United until the end of next season, with the club also holding an option to extend that deal by another 12 months until 2022.Pogba1RashfordWho is older?

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Earlier this week, it was claimed that despite a previous desire for a new challenge – he expressed that sentiment early last summer and hasn’t personally reiterated it since – Pogba actually sees his long-term future at United.

Solskjaer backed up that report when he asked about Pogba after United thrashed LASK 5-0 in the Europa League last 16 first leg on Thursday night.

“Paul’s our player and he’s got a year plus an option of his contract. So, you can expect Paul to be here,” the United boss is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News.

Solskjaer was also quizzed on the future of loan signing Odion Ighalo after the game in Austria, with the Nigerian scoring his fourth goal for the club in spectacular fashion. He hinted that a permanent deal is in the offing as United will still need the attributes Ighalo has next season.

“Odion has come in really well and he will improve and get better. But he has qualities we saw in him and needed and we need those qualities for next season,” Solskjaer said in further post-match comments published by the Evening Standard.

“He’s a goal-scorer and a striker. He doesn’t worry too much about build up play. He knows his job and role in the team, and he’s very good with his back to goal. He’s a great link player, but maybe the best thing about him is his personality. He’s got the whole lot really.”

Source: 90min