Paul Pogba is ‘desperate’ to play for Manchester United, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

French World Cup winner has been restricted to just eight appearances this season due to an ankle injury

Paul Pogba is “desperate” to play after his ankle cast was removed following surgery earlier this month, says Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The French World Cup winner has been restricted to just eight appearances this season, initially ruled out for three months due to the injury before having to undergo surgery.

However, Solskjaer admitted that despite Pogba’s urgency to get back on the pitch, there is still no definitive timeline on his return.

“Paul’s had a terrible season with injuries, he’s desperate to play football,” Solskjaer said. “It’s hard to put timescales on long-term injuries. He loves playing and he loves just being out there training as well, and it’s been playing on his mind.”

“I see a boy that is fed up of being injured. Paul has always been a top professional. I don’t have any doubts when he comes back he’s going to enjoy himself.”

Speculation over Pogba’s future is set to become another long-running saga this summer. Just last week, his agent, Mino Raiola, told Sky Sports: “I don’t say anything for sure. Today he is not happy because he is not playing. He is recovering. Paul if he does not play he is not happy.

“But I saw him go back to Manchester United when people did not think he would go back. People tend to forget that. People tend to imagine that Manchester United was the only club that he could have signed for. He chose Manchester United.

“Everybody knows the ambition from both parts is not being met the last years. Let’s be honest, let’s talk about the elephant in the room.

Paul Pogba has made just eight appearances this season (Getty)

“So we need to see in the summer if Paul is still in the plans of Manchester United and if Manchester United is still in the plans of Paul.”

Midfielder Bruno Fernandes is now expected to complete his move to United from Sporting after a breakthrough in negotiations, with a fee of £45.6m plus add-ons agreed.

The player and his representatives are set to fly to England today.