Solskjaer reveals big hope for Pogba as he considers Man Utd keeper conundrum

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would love to see Paul Pogba lift the Europa League again with Manchester United after sensing the Frenchman is fully committed to the cause.

The United boss has decisions to make in a host of areas and admits it is hard to see how senior goalkeepers David de Gea, Sergio Romero and Dean Henderson can all stay with the club.

But Pogba’s status with United has shifted so considerably that Solskjaer knows he can rely on the French midfielder heading into Monday’s quarter-final against Copenhagen.

There were previously question marks over the World Cup winner’s interest in staying with United, but Pogba has once again become a central figure for his manager.

“We’re delighted he’s back playing, he’s fit and he’s enjoying his football,” Solskjaer said.

“He’s got to make up for lost time and he’s trying to do that. He’s training extra, he’s always a great personality in and around the place.

“Hopefully we can see him lift this trophy that he’s done before.”

Pogba was in the United side that beat Ajax to win the 2016-17 Europa League, and next season a Champions League campaign awaits.

 Touching down in Cologne #MUFC #UEL pic.twitter.com/5yZuUrLNX3

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 9, 2020

It remains to be seen which goalkeepers will remain at United for the 2020-21 season, and even to which one Solskjaer will turn for the Europa League games that bring the campaign to a close.

Romero and De Gea await the manager’s verdict, with Solskjaer saying it was “a nice problem to have”.

Henderson is waiting in the wings potentially for next season after showing stellar form while on loan at Sheffield United.

“We have Dean, Sergio and David at the moment in the ranks and Lee [Grant], the fantastic pro that he is, he’s backing them up,” Solskjaer told a news conference.

“It’ll be difficult to keep three of them at the club so we’ll see what the decision will be there.”

Solskjaer was speaking in Cologne, where United’s remaining games in Europe will take place this season.

He spoke in glowing terms of the progress made by Anthony Martial, saying the French forward has “made huge strides” and is “physically at the best level in his career”.

Solskjaer also addressed the prospect of playing behind closed doors when there are such high stakes at play, expressing his regret that the pandemic has made such steps necessary.

“I think it is strange and it’s not football as it should be,” Solskjaer said.

“That little bit of passion and that edge to the game is missing because the fans have got to be there.

“But I have to commend my players. They’ve handled the situation really well and I know our fans can’t want to get back to Old Trafford to support us.

“We have to make the most of this Europa League now – hopefully get as far as we can so they’re looking forward even more to seeing the players.”