Paul Pogba’s smile returns thanks to Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

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.

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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)