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Paul Pogba: Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer defends France star after rumours of discontent

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has leapt to the defence of Paul Pogba after the Manchester United star was accused of disloyalty.

The World Cup winner is reportedly being lined up by Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid or a dramatic return to Juventus.

His time at Old Trafford has been plagued by accusations of unrest and there were suggestions he would not board the plane for United’s pre-season tour of Australia.

But the Red Devils’ manager has launched a stout defence of his man - insisting he has been a great role model.

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"It's an agenda against Paul, he's a great, great professional, never been any problems, he has a heart of gold," he said.

"Jesse and Paul yesterday walking around was portrayed as a fight between the two boys and I know you're here to sell players and stories but they're all professional.

"Paul's never put himself out of the team, always given his best and I can't report anything other than that agents talk all the time.

Manchester United's French midfielder Paul Pogba (L) shakes hands with Manchester United's Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (R) on the pitch after  the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Cardiff City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on May 12, 2019. - Cardiff won the game 2-0. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /         (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)
Pogba has been defended by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Paul Pogba of Manchester United scores the opening goal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on February 9, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
Pogba has shown flashes of brilliance - including this goal last season. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Paul Pogba of Manchester United looks dejected during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Cardiff City at Old Trafford on May 12, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
But Pogba's performances have had a touch of Jekyll and Hyde about them. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

"I can't be sitting here talking about Paul and what agents are saying, we've got a few years left of his contract and he's been fantastic."

The powerful attack-minded player, now 26, re-joined the Red Devils from Juventus in 2016 having originally graduated from their academy.

He temporarily became the world’s most expensive signing when he joined for £89million; a fee eventually eclipsed by Neymar’s monstrous £198m fee.

But while the France midfielder has shown his quality in glimpses, it has been fleeting and inconsistent.

His representative, super agent Mino Raiola, said last month it ‘could be a good time to move elsewhere.’

But Solskjaer refuses to be held to ransom by player agents.

The 46-year-old manager added: "We're Manchester United, we don't have to sell and don't have to overpay.

“You have to have the right players at the right price and if you look at the squad we've got now there are so many good players."

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