Ole: Pogba is desperate to play

The France midfielder has played just eight times this season after struggling with an ankle problem which necessitated surgery at the beginning of January, and the manager said Pogba just wants to get back to enjoying the game again.

“Paul's had a terrible season with injuries and he's desperate to play football,” Solskjaer told reporters at the Aon Training Complex.

“If there's one thing that I know about Paul, he loves playing football and he loves just being out there training as well, and it's been playing on his mind.

“Any player who is injured cannot wait to get back on the pitch, you feel so free. He's been playing with pain, so I'm sure when he's pain-free and he's injury-free, he'll enjoy his football.”

Solskjaer revealed earlier in his press conference that Pogba has had his ankle cast removed, and will soon be able to train on grass again.

When asked if Paul was focused and determined to get back and help the team, Ole was firm in his reply.

“I see a boy that is fed up of being injured and desperate to play football, yeah, and Paul has always been a top professional,” the Norwegian said.

“I don't have any doubts that when he comes back he's going to enjoy himself.”

The prospect of Pogba’s return, as well that of fellow absentee Scott McTominay, will provide the Reds with a midfield boost as we head towards the business end of the campaign.

But Ole said the pair would face competition for their places, especially given how Fred and Nemanja Matic have fared in their absence.

“It will definitely help us of course. They've played well, they've been important for us. Scott has had a fantastic season until he got injured, Paul has proven before how good a player he is and it will help us.

“Fred and Nemanja have been absolutely terrific in the last few months now, because they've had to play every single game. I think they'll have a say, thinking 'they're not just going to take our places, we want to play.'”

Matic’s contract expires in the summer, but Solskjaer confirmed the club is in negotiations to extend the 31-year-old’s deal.

“Nemanja is playing some of the best football since I've come here, so for me Nemanja is a top professional and we're keeping in touch with him and we're talking to him, yeah.”

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