Man Utd News: Solskjaer explains why Fred and McTominay started over Paul Pogba



[ad_1]

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains why Fred and Scott McTominay started over Paul Pogba in Manchester United's win over PSG

The Norwegian coach praised his midfielder duo (Image: Getty Images)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised the performances of Fred and Scott McTominay in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over PSG and says he wanted the duo to “lay the groundwork” for the team.

The Red Devils lined up with a three-defense formation in Paris on Tuesday night and took the lead through Bruno Fernandes from the penalty spot, who took a second lead after his first effort, which was stopped, was ordered to retake after the goalkeeper left his line.

PSG were frustrated in the first half but improved after the restart and leveled the score when Anthony Martial hit the ball into his own net from a corner.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains why Fred and Scott McTominay started over Paul Pogba in Manchester United's win over PSG

McTominay and Fred provided steel and bite in midfield (Image: Getty Images)

Solskjaer had another shakeup to stop PSG’s growing momentum, returning to a back room and provoking Paul Pogba instead of Alex Telles.

The Frenchman was left out of the starting eleven for the second game in a row, and was also benched against Newcastle, but made a big impact in his cameo against PSG.

Pogba created more opportunities than any other player as United finally achieved a deserved winner through Marcus Rashford and while Solskjaer was delighted with the impact of his midfielder, he felt that Fred and McTominay brought more stability.

Asked about the reason behind the starting duo, Solskjaer explained: ‘They are in good shape now, they are good players and they played very well against Newcastle.

‘They laid the groundwork for victory in that game, and I think they laid the groundwork today as well.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains why Fred and Scott McTominay started over Paul Pogba in Manchester United's win over PSG

Pogba controlled the pace of the match after exiting the bench (Image: Getty)

Scotty also played the first half with one eye, that was the most impressive, because he lost his contact lens. That was impressive ‘.

On Pogba’s performance from the bench, Solskjaer added: ‘Maybe at 1-1 in the middle of the second half we started to have more confidence, we played [more football]. I think Paul Pogba came in and did very well for us and we created chances. ‘

Pogba missed United’s previous trip to Paris, when they won 3-1 to eliminate the French champions from the Champions League, and Fred and McTominay also performed brilliantly in that match.

PLUS: Ander Herrera praises Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tactical decision during Manchester United’s win over PSG

MORE: Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe deserves to keep his place after exhibition against PSG

Follow Metro Sport through our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more stories like this, check out our sports page.

United manchester



[ad_2]