Ole Gunnar Solskjaer labels Manchester United star Paul Pogba ‘one of the best players in the world’

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has declared Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba ‘one of the best players in the world’ after the Frenchman was introduced off the bench to help the club rescue a point at Tottenham.

The 27-year-old was a surprise name among United’s substitutes in north London after the three-month break but came on in the 63rd minute to devastating effect. 

And after his side were forced to settle for a point in the race for Champions League football, Solskjaer reflected on the game-changing intervention from Pogba.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has declared superstar Paul Pogba ‘one of the best players in the world’ 

The Manchester United midfielder had helped his club secure a late point against Tottenham

Having long-since been linked with a move away, Pogba re-emerged from the coronavirus-enforced suspension faced with with an uncertain future. 

But after recovering from the injuries that have threatened to derail his entire campaign, the United academy graduate was among the stars of the show against Tottenham.

He skipped past Eric Dier inside the penalty area and won a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes converted late on to force a share of the spoils.

Pogba won a penalty for United after edging past Eric Dier and being fouled in the penalty area

Solskjaer said: ‘I think the performance second half deserved three points anyway, the players who came on made the difference. Matic did fantastic, Paul’s one of the best players in the world and it’s great to have him back, it’s good to give him minutes.

‘He’s delighted to be back on the pitch, he’s had a nine, ten month injury nightmare, it’s not been like you’re out for ten months, it’s like he’s almost back. Now finally he’s back playing, I’m sure everyone can see he’s got great hunger for the game.

‘It’s a different team to the team he left behind. Bruno’s coming in, the boys have got some more confident. The boys need to trust themselves more and trust their own fitness.’

Pogba and Bruno Fernandes linked up after the former was introduced in the 63rd minute

United fans had hoped Pogba and Fernandes would be paired from the off on Friday evening, but they were made to wait until deep inside the second half to watch the midfield duo combine.

Solskjaer later admitted that Pogba’s showing proved he is capable of slotting in alongside the former Sporting Lisbon captain. 

‘Of course, we’re a club that wants the best players in the world playing together, we just need to find the balance between defence and attack,’ he added. ‘I think today Pogba showed he could play with Bruno.’

And former United full back Patrice Evra even believes the club ‘need’ the World Cup winner

Long-standing United servant Patrice Evra even believes his former club ‘need’ the World Cup winner, and lauded his countryman’s superb jink inside the box that won the visitors their spot kick. 

He said: ‘It’s funny when people criticise Paul. You can see the difference when he is on the pitch. This goal he just destroyed Dier, maybe he is a fan in the stands. Winks he looks like he’s waiting for a cup of tea. He’s gazing at Paul beating Dier.

‘I saw that appetite to show to everyone he’s one of the best.

‘He couldn’t wait. He wanted to play football. He didn’t have an easy start. United need Paul. People need to stop saying United don’t need Paul. He’s a United player.’