Manchester United: Real Madrid 'campaign' to sign Paul Pogba not working, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Pogba’s long-term future at Old Trafford has come under increased speculation in recent weeks

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has claimed any ‘campaign’ to tempt Paul Pogba into the arms of Real Madrid is not working, with the midfielder still happy at Manchester United.

Pogba’s Old Trafford future has come under increased speculation in recent weeks after he said it would be a ‘dream’ to play for Madrid one day.

Earlier this week, Madrid-based newspaper Marca claimed that the were preparing to launch ‘Operation Pogba’ in a big to sign the midfielder.

Zinedine Zidane, Madrid’s head coach, has also declared his admiration of Pogba, telling journalists that he “can do anything on the pitch”.

And Poga himself did little to quash the rumours after the Champions League quarter-final defeat to Barcelona, when he refused to answer questions on his future.

Yet Solskjaer believes that if Madrid are attempting to unsettle United’s record signing, they have so far been unsuccessful.

At the press conference to preview the visit of West Ham for Saturday’s evening kick-off, it was put to the United manager that Madrid had launched a ‘campaign’ to sign Pogba.

“There might be a campaign, there might be press. You never know what there is. But in my talks with Paul he's always been positive,” Solskjaer responded.

“I don't see a difference in him when I chat to him. He's focused on performing and he's a proud player. He always gives his best.”

Pogba was criticised in some quarters for his performance against Barcelona, even though he was praised for his display in the 1-0 first-leg defeat by his manager.

Having scored nine goals from midfield in his first 12 games under Solskjaer, Pogba has not found the net in his last eight, missing a penalty in the defeat of Southampton.

Solskjaer defended Pogba’s recent run of form, claiming that it was also up to others players to perform, as United look to recover from four defeats in their last five.

“[Pogba] has made a difference for us in a few games, so has Romelu [Lukaku], so has Marcus [Rashford],” Solskjaer said.

“There have been different players in different periods that have made the difference. It's not just about one player. It's not just about Paul.

“He had his highest ever output physically on Wednesday night, he'd never ran as much in a United shirt. That was brilliant. The effort and attitude is there.”