Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims Paul Pogba will be considered for the captaincy of Manchester United, despite his attempts to engineer a move to Real Madrid.
The France midfielder was not handed the armband for United’s opening pre-season game against Perth Glory on Saturday, with Ashley Young and Juan Mata skippering 45 minutes each.
But Solskjaer, who is still to decide who will succeed the departed Antonio Valencia as club captain, is adamant Pogba is in contention to take up the role from next season.
He said: “We've got quite a few possibilities there and when the season starts we'll announce it.
“Of course we'll have a good assessment and see how pre-season goes. But Ashley will wear it when he's playing until we decide on someone.”
Asked specifically if Pogba was in the running, he said, “yes” - adding: “I don't think that needs explaining (why he is), we'll discuss that later on.”
Pogba has publicly confirmed his desire to leave this summer, with his agent Mino Raiola desperately trying to force a move.
United have responded by insisting it will take more than £150million for them to even consider selling their record signing.
While Solskjaer’s insistence that Pogba remains captain material could be interpreted as an olive branch to the 26-year-old - it was notable that Mata was given the role ahead of him when they both came on as half time substitutes in the 2-0 win against Perth Glory.
A final decision is likely to come when the World Cup winner’s future is finally resolved.
Pogba set up United’s opening goal here at the Optus Stadium with a back heel in the build up to Marcus Rashford’s strike.
James Garner added a second late on.
Solskjaer said: “We're happy, it was all abut continuing the good work they've done, and fitness work.
“We got 45 minutes into most of them, and work and run when.
“We played against a very well organsied team, which made it difficult for us to create too many chances, but we did enough in the end.”
Pogba was mobbed by fans as he left the stadium - but when asked by reporters to clarify his future, cryptically responded: “There’s no need to talk.
