Pogba on Man Utd role: I’ve been feeling better for some time

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 4 min read

Paul Pogba has dropped the clearest indication yet that he will stay with Manchester United, stating that he is feeling increasingly good with the role he is being asked to play at the club.

Agent Mino Raiola sparked controversy in December when he suggested that Pogba had grown weary with life at Old Trafford and was ready for a new challenge.

READ MORE: Pogba explains what he is like as a leader

The France international midfielder then became a target for critics as the club crashed out of the Champions League just a couple of days later.

Now, however, Pogba is playing regularly and having an increasingly positive impact on Man Utd’s performances.

Speaking after effectively helping them to the final of the Europa League with a 6-2 semi-final first-leg victory over Roma at Old Trafford, he suggested to RMC Sport that he is increasingly happy with the role he is being asked to play by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“I’ve been feeling a lot better for some time now,” Pogba said. “I’m getting used to this position as a No.8 playing off centre.

“I have the confidence of the players and the staff.

“I am combining well with Luke [Shaw] and Fred behind. You have to continue like this.”

Pogba: The result Man Utd wanted and even more!

A thumping header from Pogba gave United their fifth goal of the night against Roma.

He has two goals – his other also coming in the Europa League against Milan – and five assists since returning from injury six weeks ago.

“The team played a really good match,” added Pogba.

“God gave me the strength today. We had the result we wanted and even more.

“There is still one match, so you never know – we are not there yet.

“But we don’t just want to make it to the final, we want to win the tournament.”

Ahead of the Roma tie, Pogba had spoken of his desire to win the competition with United, having scored the last time they won a trophy, beating Ajax in the 2017 Europa League final.

Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani both scored doubles on a famous night against Roma.

Pogba had a hand in Fernandes’ opener, producing a fine solo run, though he did concede a penalty with a handball soon after.

Mason Greenwood scored the sixth goal for Man Utd late on, leaving fans free to dream of a final against Villarreal or Arsenal.

Up next for Pogba and Man Utd is a Premier League clash with rivals Liverpool.