Ole Gunnar Solskjaer defends Paul Pogba鈥檚 鈥榩rofessionalism鈥� as he nears United return

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended Paul Pogba鈥檚 professionalism and says the Manchester United midfielder will be like a 鈥渘ew world-class signing鈥� when he returns to fitness. (AP/File Photo)
  • The France international this week finished a period of rehabilitation in Miami
  • Pogba is now back in Manchester but will not feature against Aston Villa on Sunday

LONDON: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended Paul Pogba鈥檚 professionalism and says the Manchester United midfielder will be like a 鈥渘ew world-class signing鈥� when he returns to fitness.
After an uncomfortable summer of speculation following the World Cup winner鈥檚 admission that he would like to leave, the campaign could not have gone much worse for the 26-year-old.
Injured against Southampton at the end of August, Pogba was able to return in late September only for an ankle issue to sideline him again.
The France international this week finished a period of rehabilitation in Miami, where he was filmed playing basketball with NBA player Jimmy Butler.
That video naturally raised questions and a report in Spain even suggested the wantaway midfielder was fit and refusing to play for United, but Solskjaer defended the former world-record signing.
鈥淓very player is allowed to be injured when he鈥檚 injured and Paul is working hard to get back,鈥� the United boss said after seeing his side lose 2-1 to Astana in their Europa League match on Thursday.
鈥淣o one can doubt his professionalism, his willingness or his desire to play football.
鈥淗e鈥檚 one of the best midfielders in the world and it鈥檒l be like signing a new player before the transfer window opens.鈥�
Pogba is now back in Manchester but will not feature against Aston Villa on Sunday.
But there appears a chance that the 26-year-old could make his long-awaited return next Wednesday against Tottenham, who are now managed by Jose Mourinho, the former United manager who clashed with the Frenchman.
鈥淗e鈥檚 stepping up his recovery and let鈥檚 see how soon he鈥檒l be match-fit and available,鈥� Solskjaer said. 鈥淥f course, that鈥檚 going to be a new signing for us.
鈥淗e鈥檚 not really been able to play for us so when we get him back it鈥檚 like a new world-class signing, a new world-class midfielder, so of course we want him back as soon as possible.鈥�