How Sir Alex Ferguson toughened up Paul Pogba: Paul Pogba has been mightily impressive under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Manchester United have been brilliant under Solskjaer so far. The side is level on points with fifth-placed Arsenal within five league games, as United are yet to drop points under the Norwegian.
A David De Gea masterclass ensured a 1-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday night, with Marcus Rashford’s goal being the sole difference between both the sides.
Paul Pogba has had a sudden surge in form since the appointment of Solskjaer. The midfielder has registered four goals and four assist in five Premier League games under Norwegian’s charge so far, and has emerged as one of the commanding figures in United’s style of play.
Manchester United’s former star footballer, Bryan Robson has now revealed how Sir Alex, the former boss at the club, used to toughen Pogba up during his youth days.
How Sir Alex Ferguson toughened up Paul Pogba:
Bryan Robson, the former Manchester United captain, stated that Pogba has an edge over other footballers and his training under Sir Alex in his youth days has been instrumental in his temperamental development.
“Paul has an edge about him but all top players need that to survive. I believe his temperament is excellent when you consider what he takes,” Robson told English media outlet Daily Mail.
Bryan Robson: “Ole’s knowledge of the person Paul is has helped make him feel loved again. It’s hard for others to understand that you can have all the adulation in the world but if you don’t have it from the people that matter around you, you don’t perform.” #mufc [Mail]
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) January 15, 2019
Bryan Robson: “Ole has brought a freedom to his (Pogba) play. At one point he rampaged forward through a couple of tackles and nearly got a second goal. One of my friends said it reminded him of my goal for England against Holland in Euro 88.” #mufc [Sky]
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) January 15, 2019
“You have to look after yourself in these games and be physical when it’s required but not to hurt anyone on purpose. I don’t believe that was Paul’s intention. [when he tackled Dele Alli in the game against Tottenham on Sunday]”
Robson then revealed the sessions Sir Alex used to do with Pogba.
“I’ve spoken before about how Sir Alex Ferguson and Mike Phelan used to get Paul Scholes to kick lumps out of Pogba in training years ago and I’d say, ‘Woah, aren’t you going to stop that?’
“They’d let it go because it was schooling him in what was to come.”
Bryan Robson: “I’ve spoken before about how Sir Alex and Mike Phelan used to get Paul Scholes to kick lumps out of Pogba in training years ago and I’d say, ‘Woah, aren’t you going to stop that?’ They’d let it go because it was schooling him in what was to come.” #mufc [Mail]
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) January 15, 2019
Robson stated that the game against Tottenham saw Pogba being tackled on a number of occasions.
“Erik Lamela took a few chunks out of Paul before that flashpoint with Alli. Tottenham knew what they were doing. Paul is making United tick, so he’s naturally a target for the opposition.”
