Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford ‘Looking Good’ To Return, Says Manager

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident that Manchester United will back at full strength with the resumption of the Premier League just around the corner. The English club’s manager attributed the upbeat atmosphere at Old Trafford to the return of Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba, who both exhibited promising progress as the Red Devils entered their gradual comeback to training.

“They’re looking good, they’ve joined training now and they’ve done everything the other boys have been doing,” Solskjaer told MUTV, per Sky Sports. “No reaction so far, touch wood. When we get started it looks like we can have a full squad to choose from.”

Rashford and Pogba each had suffered untimely injuries prior to the suspension of games due to the Coronavirus threat. The former has been sidelined since January due to back issues while the latter nursed an ankle injury and has been out since December.

But Solskjaer believes the 22-year-old forward and the French midfielder are now fit and ready to go, especially with their impressive showcase during the initial phase of United’s return to training at their Carrington base.

“I think when we start training in full groups we will need a bit of time to gel again but they’re mentally ready and physically they look OK too. That’s what you do when you’re a footballer, you just want to play football. The first step has been coming together, obviously in small groups, but they’ve enjoyed that.” Solskjaer continued.

“The players have been looking after themselves. They’ve done well. Everyone’s looking sharp, everyone’s been in with a good mood and we’ve been splitting up in groups, so [working in] fours and fives together, and they’ve really done well. So far it’s been good.”

The 47-year-old Norwegian also gave an update on Odion Ighalo's impending loan deal expiration. He said that while he hopes the Nigerian could extend his stay in England, nothing has really been decided on yet.

“The loan deal went until the end of May now, so obviously he’s supposed to be going back,” Solskjær said. “We’re in dialogue. They’ve been great towards us - his club - and allowed him to play for his dream club.

“It’s been a dream for him and hopefully he can finish off what he started, hopefully with a trophy for us. At the moment, nothing has been agreed (upon). Their (Chinese) league is going to get started soon so we’re just waiting to see.”

The Premier League will reportedly discuss the next steps on Wednesday regarding its plan to resume, including Solskjaer’s proposal to hold a full squad training as United enters the next phase of their preparation.