This archive report was first published on 22 December 2019.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no issues with Paul Pogba's desire to regain fitness despite the France World Cup winner's continued absence due to injury.
As of 30 September, Pogba had been out for 21 games for club and country due to a persistent ankle injury.
However, Pogba's recent visits to Dubai and Miami, as well as being filmed dancing at his brother's wedding in Paris, have attracted criticism, with some suggesting he is not doing everything possible to get back to full fitness.
But Solskjaer insists it is wide of the mark, saying, "For me, he is one of the best players in the world. I have always said it and you have seen what he can do on the pitch."
He also drew parallels with his own experiences as a player, saying, "Everyone is allowed to be injured. I was out for 18 months (as a player). I was at weddings and I was ill and doing other things."
The eighth-placed Red Devils could do with the French World Cup winner back on the pitch, as they visit Watford on Sunday, marking the start of a run of seven games in 21 days.
Solskjaer would like to see a fully-fit Pogba, saying, "He has been out running with the fitness coach, looking over to us in training and there is nothing more disheartening. It's a proper mental test."
He added, "Paul is a different person when he can play football compared to when he can't. I think we all are."
As Solskjaer marks the anniversary of his taking charge at Old Trafford, he remains committed to his principles, saying, "You are learning all the time and learning about the players."
