Solskjaer: ‘I don’t count assists at all, that’s just for social media’

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in a jovial mood ahead of Manchester United’s return to Champions League football on Tuesday.

The Red Devils boss hosted his pre-match press conference from Switzerland on Monday, to preview the game against Young Boys.

Unsurprising, many of the questions centred around Cristiano Ronaldo and his return to the side, but the United manager was also asked about the form of Paul Pogba, who has started the new season with an excellent run of performances.

In fact, the Frenchman has registered a remarkable seven assists from four games, more than anyone has earned at this stage of a Premier League season, and more than Pogba contributed in each of his last two campaigns.

However, Solskjaer explained why he isn’t too concerned about assists and jokingly dismissed their significance to the team.

“Paul’s come back in good shape and he’s worked really hard over the summer. He’s come back lean and fit,” the manager told reporters.

“But what does an assist consist of? So a square pass to Bruno [Fernandes] and Bruno hits the top corner, or when Paul plays a great pass through and Mason runs through?

“Paul has always been a top passer of the ball and we’ve always known that. He’s one of the best passers of the ball in European football. He’s probably not got assists from his best passes this season. I don’t count assists at all, that’s just social media and all you, the media. Paul’s played well, that’s for sure.”

“I would give Anthony Martial an assist to Jesse’s [goal against Newcastle],” Solskjaer added. “He leaves the ball like [Dwight] Yorke and [Andy] Cole. There’s so much more than stats in football.”