Solskjaer Explains Why Paul Pogba Did Not Start Against Newcastle

Manchester United enjoyed a satisfying victory against Newcastle last day with the score line reflecting 4-1 in the favour of the Mancunians.

The starting XI of the Red Devils showcased phenomenal performances with the manager making minor tweaks in his squad following the embarrassing defeat against Watford earlier this week. Although expected by the supporters, Paul Pogba yet again failed to start the match, after his recovery from a foot injury which got him down since September.

The France international was brought in as a substitution for Scott McTominay during half-time. Consequently, the talented midfielder was nevertheless creative from the moment he stepped on to the pitch. Furthermore, an early long range effort by the 26-year-old in the second half was seen flying a little wide off the post.

Regardless, speaking to Man United TV, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has openly admitted that he’s purposely avoiding Pogba’s return, as the gaffer believes it’s not right to rush things when it comes to players who have been laid off for a while.

The Norwegian manager told MUTV: “Andreas and Mason have done well, they’ll give us fresh legs.

“Paul, I think it’s too early to demand too much from him. He’s worked really hard but then it’s been a long lay-off. So we’ll have to drip-feed him in and play gradually more and more.”

The United No.6 has only appeared in 7 games altogether this season in Premier League, bagging two assists and zero goals in total for his side. Although the stats appear to be lacking brightness, it could be attributed to the injury spell which virtually ruined his 2019/20 campaign.

Furthermore, the player has been resting in clouds of speculation concerning an exit from Old Trafford with the winter window imminent. Even though the club manager had denied any of such suppositions, the considerably less game time the former Juventus star is receiving has raised quite a few eyebrows among the football fanatics.