Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United must deliver on their promise and win trophies this campaign if they are to convince Paul Pogba to extend his stay.
The Frenchman is in the last year of his contract and there are fears he could leave on a free transfer for the second time in his career, with Real Madrid and PSG both circling.
But reports this week suggested he is now leaning towards staying at United and could sign a new deal after the return of Cristiano Ronaldo, with the win over Newcastle having had a ‘profound effect’ on him.
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The Red devils have also shown ambition by signing Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho this summer, though Solskjaer has suggested their current feel-good factor is not enough to convince Pogba and they must win silverware.
Asked if Ronaldo’s arrival can convince Pogba to stay at United, Solskjaer replied: ‘Yeah, well, it’s up to us now to get results and to prove to ourselves that we can win trophies.
‘Because I think everyone who signs for Man United wants to win trophies, wants to be part of a winning Man United – that’s the most magical feeling in the world, to be part of a winning Man United team.
‘So, yep, I think everyone is just focusing on doing our best and let’s see where we go.’
Pogba has already made seven assists in just four league games and while Solskjaer praised his performances and fitness, he played down the importance of the stats.
Asked about Pogba’s assist record this season, Solskjaer continued: ‘Paul’s come back in good shape and he’s worked really hard over the summer. He came back lean and fit.
‘But what does an assist consist of? A square pass to Bruno [Fernandes] and then Bruno hits the top corner? Or when Paul plays a great pass through and Mason [Greenwood] runs past?
‘So Paul’s always been a top passer of the ball, we know that. He’s one of the best passers of the ball in European football.
‘So he’s probably not got assists from his best passes this season, so I don’t count assists at all. That’s just a social media [thing], or you the media. But Paul has played well, that’s for sure.’
He added: ‘I would give Anthony Martial an assist for Jesse, when he leaves the ball, like Yorke and Cole. There’s so much more than stats. I think David [De Gea] deserves one!’
