Man Utd provide clarity on dropping Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho for Atalanta clash
Manchester United duo Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho have been left out of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's starting XI for tonight's Champions League clash with Atalanta.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shed light on his decision to drop Jadon Sancho and Paul Pogba for tonight's Champions League clash with Atalanta. The Red Devils go into the game looking for a second win in the competition. They beat Villarreal last time out, with Cristiano Ronaldo saving the day.
Manchester United go into the match against Atalanta hoping to bounce back after losing 4-2 to Leicester last time out.
David De Gea starts in goal, behind a back four consisting of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
In midfield, United have gone with the solid pairing of Scott McTominay and Fred to counter the speed of their Serie A opponents, with Bruno Fernandes then playing in the No 10 position.
And, up top, the Red Devils have selected Cristiano Ronaldo with Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood on the flanks.
Surprisingly, however, Solskjaer has chosen to leave Pogba and Sancho both out on a night where his side really need to pick up all three points.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
And Solskjaer has now explained his team, saying McTominay and Fred provide solidarity while claiming Rashford is now deserving to start in Pogba's place.
“Yeah you know, they've played well together those two,” he said of McTominay and Fred.
“We call it a 4-2-4 system more or less with the front men. The balance they give us has been helpful in many games.”
On Rashford coming in for Pogba, he added: “He’s been working so hard, he’s played through a period with a bit of pain and discomfort now he feels 100 per cent.
“You can see a smile, he’s enjoying football.
“And when Marcus is enjoying his football it’s wonderful to see.”
Man Utd duo Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho have been dropped for Atalanta clash (Image: GETTY)
“When you lose games, it’s obvious that things didn’t go as planned,” he said.
"It might be personnel or some injuries. We’ve got loads of good players and rotation is always going to be important.
"We have to go into every game with loads of energy so there will be changes in how we approach the game.
“We’re at home with the fans behind us, they’re the best fans in the world, and I know how they are after the team have gone through a little bit of a sticky period.
“There is no better place to go [than Old Trafford] and to try to go for three points."
Rashford himself, meanwhile, has called on United to show what they’re made of.
Trending
Man Utd star Marcus Rashford gets the nod for Atalanta clash (Image: GETTY)
“Yeah, I’ve always loved the Champions League, just from when I was young really, just from watching United play when I was in the stands,” he told MUTV.
“It’s a special atmosphere, it’s a special occasion and it’s almost like they’re putting you on a stage to perform.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling so I’m definitely pleased to be back playing in the Champions League.
“It’s about the performance now, can we get the performance and the win? There’s been a few games this season where we’ve got the performance and not got the result and there’s been games the opposite way around as well.
“So, let’s try and get a balance of both: the performance and the three points.”