French midfielder Paul Pogba has started the season with a bang. He has already registered seven assists from four Premier League matches while the record that he is aiming for is 20 assists in a particular season.
However, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not bothered about Pogba’s record assists that the Frenchman will deliver this season. Solskjaer already considers him as a great passer. Pogba is chasing the 20 assists landmark that is held by Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Arsenal’s Thierry Henry.
But Solskjaer ahead of United’s Champions League opener played down the achievements. He wants the midfielder to focus on his overall game.
“Paul has come back in good shape,” the Norwegian told a pre-match press briefing ahead of his side’s trip to Young Boys. “He’s worked really hard over the summer. He’s come back lean and fit.
“What does an assist consist of? A square pass to Bruno [Fernandes] and he puts it in the top corner? Or a great ball for Mason [Greenwood]?
“Paul has always been a great passer and he’s not got assists from his best passes this season. I don’t pay attention to assists, it’s a social media thing. But Paul has played well for sure.”
Pogba returned to Manchester United back in 2016 from Juventus for a hefty transfer fee of £89million. The Frenchman has not really lived up to his lofty standards at Old Trafford. This season is looking a lot different as the 28-year-old is in the forefront and finally, it feels like he will fulfil his potential.
Manchester United lost the Europa League finals against Villareal last season. Therefore they will be desperate to start the new Champions League campaign against the Young Boys with a win. Solskjaer will be hoping that Pogba’s form in the Premier League gets translated to the Champions League as well. Along with Pogba, the Red Devils also have stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Bruno Fernandes and all of them have the ability to change a match on its course.
Manchester United are clubbed in Group F alongside clubs like Atalanta, Villareal and Young Boys. It is a relatively easier group for the Red Devils and they will hope to top it.
