Speaking at a supporter event alongside Bryan Robson in Perth, Australia, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his current side needs a player just like the footballing legend. Robson, known by his nickname of “Captain Marvel,” provided a strong steady leadership presence in the middle of the park during his playing days, when he wore the captain’s armband for both United and England.
Solskjaer says his side needs an individual like that as he continues his rebuilding project at Old Trafford. In the midfield, the club has seen Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini move on in the past six months.
They have yet to buy a new midfielder this summer transfer window, but they have been strongly linked with Newcastle United youngster Sean Longstaff and Sporting Lisbon star man Bruno Fernandes.
“We are on the way to building a new squad. We’ve got new staff in, coaching staff,” Solskjaer said.
“I believe so much in this club and this project. To be manager of this club is fantastic. I never had the honor of playing with Robbo but we need a player like him in the team.”
It remains to be seen who will wear the captain’s arm band for United this upcoming season, as Antonio Valencia has now moved on. The Norwegian has said that midfielder Paul Pogba is being considered for the role.
Pogba did serve as captain for a couple games last season, including the season opening win over Leicester City. He then settled in to the vice-captaincy role, until then manager Jose Mourinho stripped him of it in mid-season.
Pogba’s dedication and professionalism has often been under scrutiny while he’s been back at United, but his manager has strongly endorsed the Frenchman this preseason. Whether or not Pogba can develop into a Robson level figure though, is a lot to ask. (Although he’s certainly being paid to produce like that)
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