Solskjaer hits back at Raiola: Pogba is our player, agents are hired by players

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could speak with Paul Pogba about comments made by his agent Mino Raiola that Manchester United 'ruin' marquee players.

In an interview with La Repubblica, Raiola derided United for being 'out of touch with reality and without a sporting project' and claimed they would 'ruin' Diego Maradona and Pele. The Italian has previously ridiculed United's refusal to appoint a director of football.

"I can speak to Paul about it," Solskjaer said in reference to Raiola's remarks. "I don't think I should be talking about agents or about agents that talk about us.

"But Paul is our player and agents are hired by players, not the opposite way around. It's not 'agents' players', it's 'our players'. What me and Paul are talking about I don't have to talk to you about. That will be between us.

"There are players that have done well, top players who have done well here as well. There are different reasons for individuals not performing and I can't talk about players that are somewhere else now. They probably know the reasons for them not performing.

"I had Alexis here so I can talk about Alexis. Obviously he's had a few injuries and when you get injuries you're not going to be able to showcase your qualities because we need that rhythm and you need that consistency."

Solskjaer clarified bone fragments are behind Pogba's latest discomfort in his ankle after he played 71 minutes against Watford and Newcastle during the festive schedule. "It's an ankle injury. Some bone fragments. It's not a big, massive injury. It will keep him out for a while.

"We felt he was going to be ready for Burnley. Then [when] he wasn't we had to do the scan. The outcome is we found something and then we spoke together.

"It wouldn't be fair to risk any player's health. You wouldn't and if the player is not happy with what he's feeling, he's got loads of pain, then it might be a worry that it can get worse, which is always is. That was the decision."

Pogba wanted to join Real Madrid in the summer and Raiola last month admitted he was 'sorry' not to have moved the Frenchman to the Bernabeu. Pogba, 26, has 18 months left on his United contract, though the club has the option of an additional year, and he has only played eight times this season due to an ankle injury.

Solskjaer disagreed with the suggestion that Pogba should be more communicative with supporters amid uncertainty over his future. 

Pogba's commitment has been repeatedly questioned during his absences through injury and he flew to France to attend a charity match on Sunday - the day after Pogba failed to travel with the United squad to Burnley.

"Paul is very committed to coming back, playing well for us, and it's hard when you're injured to go and talk about all sorts," Solskjaer opined. "I think his talking needs to be when he comes back on the pitch.

"That's the most important thing that we get him fit, get everyone fit, get Scott back, everyone playing, but you are asking me about Paul all the time. That's why I answer."