Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects Manchester United fans to give their full backing to Paul Pogba next season, saying the France international has never ever been a problem during his time at the club.
Pogba came in for heavy criticism from United supporters during a tumultuous 2018-19 campaign and was seen receiving verbal abuse on the Old Trafford pitch at the end of the club s 2-0 home defeat to Cardiff City on the last day of the season.
He has since been the subject of speculation linking him with a move away from United, telling reporters in Tokyo in June that next season could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else .
The comments incensed sections of United s support, but Solskjaer said Pogba, who featured in the club s pre-season friendly victories over Perth Glory, Leeds United and Inter, will have the backing of the fans next season.
I think our fans know what Paul has given the club and what he can give us, Solskjaer told a news conference ahead of United s International Champions Cup clash with Tottenham on Thursday.
Of course there is a loud small minority.
Paul has been absolute top in the group. Me and the players will testify to that.
He s never ever been a problem. We’re just grateful when he performs as well as he does.
It feels like a new start, says Ole. At the moment, we re laying a foundation both mentally and physically. This tour has been very good for team building as well.
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Solskjaer provided updates on the fitness of defender Victor Lindelof, who was substituted in the second half of United s 1-0 win over Inter, and Romelu Lukaku, who has yet to feature in pre-season despite joining the tour squad amid interest from the Nerazzurri.
Lindelof is fine and Lukaku won t be fit, no, said Solskjaer, ruling the Belgium forward out of the clash with Spurs.
He [Lukaku] has been working with a physio the last few days so I don t think he will make this one, no.
He got injured in training. It is not too bad, if it was worse we would have sent him home.
Of course it s never nice to be a player who misses out on important fitness work but also team building work, understanding, tactical approach.
He ll just have to make that up later on.