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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has opened up about his decision to leave Paul Pogba on the bench for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with RB Leipzig. The French international wants to leave Old Trafford. And he has not been chosen in the middle of the park for the tough European showdown in Germany.
United enter their game against RB Leipzig with Pogba very much in the headlines.
On Monday, the controversial agent for the French international, Mino Raiola, revealed that his client wanted to leave Old Trafford because he was unhappy with his current position.
“There is no point beating around the bush. It is better to speak clearly, look ahead and avoid wasting time looking for culprits, “he said.
“Paul is unhappy at Manchester United, he can’t express himself how he wants and how people expect him to.
“He needs to change teams, he needs a change of scenery.
“He has a contract that expires in a year and a half, in the summer of 2022, but the best solution for all parties is a transfer in the next window.
“Otherwise, the Old Trafford club, with whom I have a great relationship, knows well that it would risk losing him in a free transfer, since at the moment it is not the intention of the player to extend the contract.”
And, now, Solskjaer has explained his team selection, which sees Pogba appointed to the bench.
“We need a team that is flexible, a team with legs and we need experience because it is a great game,” he said simply.
He has since joined BT Sport “” My decisions tonight are tactical. We make a team decision.
“We did it before this game and we settled on Scott and Nemanja in that midfield before playing West Ham.
“For me, you prepare for each game as if it were the last. We know we have City on Saturday, but that doesn’t matter, this is ours now that we’re focused on it. “
United have been strong for the Germany game.
David De Gea starts in goal, replacing Dean Henderson, who impressed in a 3-1 win over West Ham on Saturday.
On defense, the Red Devils have Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Alex Telles.
In midfield, with Pogba losing, Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Bruno Fernandes get the nod.
And, above, the Red Devils have named Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood on their side.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports expert Paul Merson has taunted Poga and Raiola, saying the French international should play pool if he can’t be a team player.
He said: “Raiola says that the style of football does not suit him.
“He is playing on a soccer team. He is not a billiard player. Play with 10 other players. You join a team.
“Not that Manchester United is the most defensive team you’ve ever seen. Look at Tottenham!
“I don’t hear Harry Kane and Son moaning. Go play pool if you want it to be all about you.
“I knew the statement was going to come out. It’s your agent.
“You could play dumb, you could turn around and say you didn’t know, but of course you do. He will also know that there is a club interested in him. Raiola would have spoken with a club interested in Paul Pogba.
“They’re not going to get bogged down saying, ‘Paul wants to leave’ and then no one comes for him. Everything is already fixed on Pogba’s side!
“An agent doesn’t come out and say that a player wants to leave without interest. Pogba knows very well what his agent is doing: Raiola has a club for him. You keep hearing that Ronaldo will return to Man Utd. Be a shout – Pogba for Ronaldo ? “
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