MX23RW : Wednesday, December 11 19:46:58| >> :120:6403:6403:

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refuses to rule out Paul Pogba captaincy

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refuses to rule out Paul Pogba captaincy
© Reuters
Pogba played 45 minutes in Perth.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is considering Paul Pogba for the captaincy, despite the Manchester United's midfielder desire to leave this summer.

Marcus Rashford's fine strike was followed by an impressive James Garner effort as the Red Devils opened pre-season with a victory far more comfortable than the 2-0 scoreline against Perth Glory suggests.

Pogba came on at half-time as Solskjaer completely rotated his side at the huge Optus Stadium, where the World Cup winner received a largely warm reception despite publicly admitting his openness to "a new challenge somewhere else".

Agent Mino Raiola compounded matters by talking about how he is working to get his client a move, but Solskjaer says he would still consider the midfielder for a leadership role this season.

"No, it hasn't (been decided)," the United boss said of the captaincy, having seen Antonio Valencia depart in the summer

"So we've got quite a few possibilities there and when the season starts we'll announce.

"Of course we'll have a good assessment, see how pre-season goes, so there we go.

"But, as you saw, Ashley (Young) will wear it when he's playing until we decide on someone, yeah."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is planning for the new season
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is planning for the new season (Martin Rickett/PA)

Asked if Pogba is under consideration for the role, Solskjaer said: "Yeah."

The France midfielder regularly captained United at the start of the 2018-19 season, only for Jose Mourinho to swiftly take away any vice-captain responsibilities as their relationship deteriorated.

Pushed further on Pogba's resuming a captaincy position, Solskjaer added: "Well, I don't think that needs explaining. We'll discuss that later on."

The club-record signing was asked for an interview as he made his way out of Optus Stadium, but simply responded: "No need". Pogba said similar to another reporter.

Speculation about outgoings will continue throughout the tour, while Solskjaer kept his cards close to his chest when it came to signings.

Harry Maguire remains a target
Harry Maguire remains a target (Mike Egerton/PA)

PA understands that United are still trying to sign Leicester centre-back Harry Maguire, while they are scouring the market for a midfielder.

"I think you need to speak to Ed (Woodward, executive vice-chairman) or others," the United boss said about transfers.

"At the moment, I can't give you any updates, no.

"Well, timing is obviously an issue but we're working, as I've said before, so of course we're optimistic."

Solskjaer was more forthcoming when it came to the performance of his squad in their pre-season opener, with Daniel James impressing and Aaron Wan-Bissaka showing signs of promise in their first match in a United shirt.

"Both the new lads did well, both Dan and Aaron," he said, having confirmed Luke Shaw went off with a hamstring issue.

"You had Mason (Greenwood), Angel (Gomes), Jimmy (Garner), you know the young lads, Chongy [Tahith Chong].

"I think they also showed that they can make it as a Man United player and the more experienced ones did a job because we got 45 minutes out of most and it was a professional workout from everyone."

ID:364859: cacheID:364859:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8528:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Monaco's Benoit Badiashile in action against Lyon in Ligue 1 in February 2019
Read Next:
Wolves make first move for United target Badiashile?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!