Solskjaer criticises anti-Pogba agenda

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has heaped praise on Paul Pogba, insisting the midfielder is the victim of an “agenda” against him.

The France international is being heavily touted for a move away from the Red Devils this summer but Solskjaer says the club has not received a bid for any player in his first-team squad.

Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, has said the World Cup winner wants to leave United and hopes “there will soon be a satisfying solution for all parties”.

Pogba is with United on their pre-season tour to Australia and, in his first press conference Down Under, Solskjaer has quickly mounted a defence of the powerhouse midfielder. Solskjaer referenced a video of the club’s record-signing Pogba and team-mate Jesse Lingard that was reported as a bust-up between the pair to make his point.

“It’s an agenda against Paul, he’s a great, great professional, never been any problems, he has a heart of gold,” said the Norwegian.

“Jesse and Paul yesterday walking around and it’s portrayed as a fight between the two boys and I know you’re here to sell players and stories but they’re all professional.”

The United boss went on to suggest that he will not be responding to every comment attributed to a players’ agent. “Paul’s never put himself out of the team, always given his best and I can’t report anything but that agents talk all the time,” he added.

“I can’t be sitting here talking about Paul and what agents are saying, we’ve got a few years left of his contract and he’s been fantastic.” United are 21.00 to win the Premier League next season and 2.05 to finish inside the top four.