Paul Pogba’s smile returns thanks to Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
United players keen for the Norwegian to become the next permanent manager

Manchester United star midfielder Paul Pogba has heaped praise on caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Since the Norwegian was named interim boss in December the Red Devils have won six successive matches, including Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Tottenham at Wembley.
During Jose Mourinho’s final months in charge United failed to live up to their potential, but under Solskjaer the Old Trafford squad has been given a new lease of life.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
One player who has shined under Solskjaer’s management is French World Cup winner Pogba. The 25-year-old says he’s back “smiling” after time in the “shadows”.
Pogba told The Guardian: “Before the coach arrived I was in the shadows, on the bench, and I accepted that. It is a pleasure to play again. Now I am always smiling.
“It’s a pleasure to be reunited with him [Solskjaer]. I knew him from the academy and the reserves, when his nickname was ‘Supersub’. He is doing a really good job. As a player he knew the mentality of this club. He has come back to help us and it is going very well.”
According to The Daily Telegraph there is “growing momentum within the Old Trafford dressing room” for Solskjaer to be named the permanent manager at the end of the season.
In their next Premier League match United host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday (3pm).
Premier League results
Matchweek 22 results
- West Ham United 1 Arsenal 0
- Brighton & Hove Albion 0 Liverpool 1
- Burnley 2 Fulham 1
- Cardiff City 0 Huddersfield Town 0
- Crystal Palace 1 Watford 2
- Leicester City 1 Southampton 2
- Chelsea 2 Newcastle United 1
- Everton 2 AFC Bournemouth 0
- Tottenham Hotspur 0 Manchester United 1
- Manchester City 3 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0
Next weekend’s fixtures
Saturday 19 January (3pm unless stated)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Leicester City (12.30, live on Sky Sports)
- AFC Bournemouth vs. West Ham United
- Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace
- Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
- Newcastle United vs. Cardiff City
- Southampton vs. Everton
- Watford vs. Burnley
- Arsenal vs. Chelsea (5.30pm, live on BT Sport)
Sunday 20 January
- Huddersfield Town vs. Manchester City (1.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Fulham vs. Tottenham Hotspur (4pm, live on Sky Sports)
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Trump uses tariffs to upend Brazil's domestic politics
IN THE SPOTLIGHT By slapping a 50% tariff on Brazil for its criminal investigation into Bolsonaro, the Trump administration is brazenly putting its fingers on the scales of a key foreign election
-
3 questions to ask when deciding whether to repair or replace your broken appliance
the explainer There may be merit to fixing what you already have, but sometimes buying new is even more cost-effective
-
'Trump's authoritarian manipulation of language'
Instant Opinion Vienna has become a 'convenient target for populists' | Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
How do new stadiums affect football clubs?
In the Spotlight Everton's decision to move its men's team out of Goodison Park could be a catalyst for vital change, but there are cautionary tales too
-
Liverpool's Anfield redemption: how did they do it?
Talking Point Arne Slot's blueprint and standout player performances guide the Reds to record 20th league title
-
Where are all the English football managers?
Talking Point Eddie Howe's Carabao Cup success underlines absence of homegrown coaching talent in the Premier League
-
New Trafford: can it fix Manchester United's footballing problems?
Talking Point Plan for £2 billion stadium despite staff job losses and lack of success on the pitch
-
Denis Law obituary: fond farewell to 'the King of the Stretford End'
In the Spotlight Scottish footballer who was one of Manchester United's 'Holy Trinity' has died aged 84
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League