Solskjaer and Maguire lament Man Utd's lack of discipline in Bern
Former England midfielder Darren Anderton has claimed that Paul Pogba has the potential to be a toxic presence at Manchester United if they start to falter away over the course of this season. The 28-year-old has made a stunning start to the new campaign with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, chipping in with seven assists from just five appearances in all competitions.
Pogba's form has helped United to emerge as the Premier League's early leaders with three wins and a draw from their opening four matches.
However, his future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, with talks over a new deal said to be ongoing.
The Frenchman will be out of contract at the end of the season as things stand, meaning he will be able to negotiate a free transfer to a foreign club from January.
It remains to be seen whether Pogba will eventually decide to put pen to paper at United if they can end their painful four-year wait for a major trophy this season.
Solskjaer assembled what is arguably the best squad of his time in charge over the summer and will be expected to deliver silverware in order to justify his recent financial backing from the Glazer family.
Pogba has already registered seven assists this season (Image: GETTY)
Anderton, who won 30 international caps for England between 1994 and 2001, has suggested that the Norwegian boss will be able to end the club's trophy hoodoo this season if he can keep Pogba onside.
However, the 49-year-old also warned that he could be relieved of his duties if he fails to succeed, with Pogba able to emerge as a negative influence in the dressing room if things start to unravel.
"You’d think Manchester United will get rid of Ole on if United don’t win anything this season because that's just the nature of the beast," Anderton told My Betting Sites.
"Manchester United win things and they always have done and that's what they've been judged on.
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Solskjaer is yet to win a major trophy as United manager (Image: GETTY)
"I do like the fact that Ole is still there because there are times where I watched United and I was worried for them in terms of the way they played, the way they defended and the way they crumbled at times.
"But they've got a very good team and a good squad. The players respond to him.
"There have been times where I've been a bit worried. How do you get the best out of someone like Paul Pogba?
"He’s now saying he wants to stay and he’s such a top player but also, he can be a bad egg within a football club.
United are currently leading the way in the Premier League (Image: EXPRESS)
"If you can get him on the right side, then he's going to be a positive influence and that's where he is now. If they get in the top four, they will stand by Ole.
"The squad is getting stronger and stronger, and they have a very good chance of winning something this season."
United will go in search of another Premier League victory against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon at the London Stadium.
The Red Devils will be looking to improve on Tuesday's showing against Young Boys in their Champions League opener, with the Swiss outfit grabbing a last-minute equaliser to seal all three points after Jesse Lingard's error.