Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba still working on fitness and going through ‘difficult period’

Pogba conceded decisive penalty in defeat to Arsenal on Sunday

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba (Manchester United via Getty Images)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that Paul Pogba is still working his way back to fitness after “a difficult period” for the Manchester United midfielder.

Pogba conceded a decisive penalty in the 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal on Sunday, then later claimed that he was a little “out of breath” while making the challenge in question on Hector Bellerin.

The 27-year-old has struggled to find form since testing positive for coronavirus during the August international break, despite starting three consecutive Premier League matches upon his recovery.

Pogba, who missed much of last season through injury, has been in and out of Solskjaer’s starting line-up in the weeks and the United manager admitted that his player is currently going through a challenging time in his career.

“Every player is frustrated himself and disappointed after a defeat,” Solskjaer said. “We need consistency from every one of our players, that’s what we want.

“Paul has been going through a difficult period with an injury last season and Covid now and he’s working up to fitness, we’ve seen plenty of positives lately and hopefully that can continue.”

Pogba apologised for his costly mistake against Arsenal in his post-match interviews and ahead of United’s Champions League trip to Istanbul Basaksehir, Solskjaer admitted that he is still working on his fitness.

“Any situation, you're a fit lad and Paul knows in that exact instance he could've dealt with  better and held his hand up,” the United manager added.  

“That’s how it is in the game, high tempo, high intensity and the fitter you are, the more you can do and that goes for every footballer around the world.”