Manchester United vs Bournemouth: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hails Paul Pogba for 'no showboating'

Pogba appears to have been liberated by the Norwegian’s arrival

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed Paul Pogba’s ”all-round” performance free of “showboating” after the Manchester United midfielder’s brace in the 4-1 win over Bournemouth.

Just as against Huddersfield Town on Boxing Day, Pogba scored twice in a dominant win for United, their third in three games under caretaker manager Solskjaer.

Pogba appears to have been liberated by the Norwegian’s arrival and the departure of Jose Mourinho, with whom he shared a testy working relationship.

The 25-year-old said Solskjaer had brought a “more offensive” style of play to Old Trafford after the final whistle, while Solskjaer himself praised Pogba for a complete midfield display.

“That is a top, top performance from a midfielder, because it’s all-round,” the United caretaker said. “It’s work rate, danger in the box, winning headers, winning tackles, no showboating.

“It’s touch, pass, move and he plays an efficient game. Paul knows he is at his best when he plays that game.

“There was maybe one flick he could have done better with but not a lot else he could have done.”

Pogba’s performances under Mourinho were criticised in some quarters, with the France international failing to replicate the type of form which saw him become a World Cup winner during the summer.

Solskjaer has not discouraged the ‘showboating’ and more flamboyant aspects of Pogba’s game, but has asked his squad to play according to his instructions and philosophy.

“As I’ve said to all the players, we want to see the best out of them within the framework and within how we want the team to play and all of them really performed up to the top standards,” Solskajer said.

Marcus Rashford was equally – if not more – impressive than Pogba against Bournemouth, setting up the midfielder’s first goal by beating two visiting defenders with some sublime footwork.

The 21-year-old later found the goal his display deserved, stretching to convert Anthony Martial’s dinked cross and score United’s third.

“You’re pleased, I’m delighted for him,” Solskjaer said. “He’s coming on and will be a top, top player.

“The way he’s gone about the job, the work rate he puts in. I said it the other day, he’s got everything.

“I’m really pleased when you get goals, he’s got two now in three games. His work rate, that’s a big pleasing thing for me with the whole team, we shouldn’t be outworked by anyone. He’s the catalyst.”