Man Utd: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer names his six-a-side team
Manchester United fans have been looking forward to the return of the Premier League for some time now. The coronavirus crisis couldn’t have come at a worse time for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his side, with the club in the midst of an 11-game unbeaten run. Tottenham and Jose Mourinho now lie in wait - but Solskjaer could be set to take a gamble in that showdown.
According to The Athletic, it’s likely that Solskjaer will bench Paul Pogba for the match against Tottenham on Friday night.
The France international has been sidelined since Boxing Day, last gracing the Old Trafford turf in a 4-1 victory over Newcastle.
In the time since, United have learned to live without their £89million man.
Bruno Fernandes has become an instant hero, with the Portugal international shining ever since his January move from Sporting Lisbon.
Fred has overcome his demons to become a key asset, becoming a vital player for Solskjaer with some slick and measured performances in the middle of the park.
Scott McTominay continues to go from strength to strength, with the Scotland international impressing in a holding midfield role.
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And Nemanja Matic has been a player transformed since the turn of the year, rolling back the years and getting back to his Chelsea best.
Make no mistake about it, though, dropping Pogba is a gamble.
Firstly, for footballing reasons. As mentioned above United have learned to live - and more importantly win matches - without him in their ranks.
It’s certainly something Mourinho couldn’t do throughout his spell at Old Trafford. He’d repeatedly drop Pogba but, usually, that would lead to his side suffering.
Under Solskjaer, though, things have been different.
United’s midfield has worked ever since Fernandes’ arrival. Matic, McTominay and Fred have all supplied the ammunition for the 25-year-old to pull the trigger.
But Pogba, on his day, ranks as one of the best players in both the Premier League and the entire planet.
He hasn’t been consistent enough but has anybody at Old Trafford in the years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement? That’s debatable.
Pogba showed what a force he could be for France at the World Cup two years ago. His powerful, perfect performances helped his side reach the promise land.
So lining up for a game against Tottenham, and old manager Mourinho, without him in the squad represents a gamble in itself.