Pogba back to his best after lack of confidence and freedom under Mourinho, says Man United team-mate Lingard
JESSE LINGARD says Ole Solskjaer’s man management is getting the best out of Paul Pogba.
The French World Cup winner was man of the match as he scored two goals for the second consecutive game in the 4-1 rout of Bournemouth.
And team-mate Lingard said: “Ole has helped him 100 per cent. He has given him the confidence and license to be free and play his game and do what we know he can do.
“I can definitely, definitely see the Paul I used to know. I have seen him playing through the ranks and he is back to that player, the player we know.
“He’s enjoying his football. He’s playing in the role he likes to play in just inside off the left.
"He has the freedom to make things happen. He has always got forward in that position and scored goals.”
It is the one-on-one attention that Solskjaer has been giving to the players that Lingard credits for Manchester United’s resurgence.
They have won three out of three under him scoring 12 and conceding three.
Lingard said: “He is great one-on-one with players. Great man-management. He will always speak to you and tell you what to do.
“For me he knew me from the reserves and knows what kind of a player I am.
"When I am on the right wing he likes me to to come inside and make things happen. He gives me license and freedom to do that.
“He gave me my reserve team debut. He was always there on hand to give advice and help the youngsters out. He helped me out coming through and I learnt a lot from him.
“He’s very special to this club and for this club. He knows where Man United has to be and that is at the very top and putting in performances like we did today.
“We are enjoying playing football and winning games three and four one. Obviously we would like a clean sheet. But we will work on that and try to improve on it.”
Next up is Newcastle at St James’ and Lingard has warned the Magpies to expect a full on assault from the Red Devils after the first whistle.
He said: “It is all about mentality. Ole has told us to start quickly, press teams and make sure we are on the front foot and make sure that the first 15-20 minutes can decide the game.
“It is all about how we go into games. If we go into it like we have done the last three matches we will win the game.
"We’ve had the right mentality, killing teams and pegging them back and not giving them a sniff. That mentality is very important.”