Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed Paul Pogba’s influence on Manchester United’s Europa League win at AC Milan, and admits that he stretched the Frenchman to the limit at the San Siro.
Pogba came on at half-time to make his first appearance since February 6 after returning from injury, with the World Cup winner making an immediate impact as he scored within three minutes of coming on.
The midfielder’s close range strike was the only goal of the second leg in Milan, giving United a 2-1 aggregate victory as they battled past opponents who are flying high in Serie A this season.
Solskjaer admitted that he was forced into bringing Pogba on as Marcus Rashford has picked up an injury in the first half, although he hopes the England international’s problem isn’t too serious.
“He had a little twinge,” said the United boss post-match.
(Image: REUTERS)
“We couldn’t take the risk with him. Hopefully he won’t be too bad.”
With Rashford off, Pogba came on to play in a more advanced position than he often takes up, and it paid dividends with a goal from close range after Milan had failed to clear.
Solskjaer was impressed with the midfielder’s attitude after he came on, especially when he would have been excused for feeling a little rusty.
“Paul looked like he’d been out for six weeks, yeah for sure,” he added sarcastically.
“He’s been working really hard but when you play football it’s different.
“He couldn’t play more than 45 [minutes]. He’ll get better and better.
“That’s a big, big boost for us for the rest of the season.
“The boys have done fantastic without him but we know Paul’s qualities.”
