Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made four changes to his side to face Burnley at Turf Moor this evening, with the big headline being that Paul Pogba has been left out of the squad entirely.
Pogba has made impacts from the bench in each of United’s last two games against Watford and Newcastle, having previously not featured for the Reds since September 30 in the draw against Arsenal.
The Frenchman had been expected to start this evening in place of Scott McTominay, who was ruled out after injuring his knee in the Boxing Day victory over Newcastle.
READ MORE: Confirmed Man Utd XI to face Burnley: James starts, Pogba not in squad
But surprisingly, he does not feature at all this evening, with Solskjaer being cautious with the player who has just recovered from a long-term injury setback.
“Paul has played in 2 games and has been out for a while and it didn’t feel right to play him today,” the United manager said, as quoted by Manchester Evening News.
Pogba’s absence is a huge blow with United now missing their two best midfielders against Sean Dyche’s side. The French World Cup winner provides much needed creativity to the side and the Reds could now struggle against a low block.
Nemanja Matic takes Pogba’s place in midfield alongside Fred, with Andreas Pereira retaining his number 10 role.
We expect Pogba to now start against Arsenal at the Emirates on New Years Day.
📃 Here it is… our final starting XI of the year. Let's get it 👊#MUFC #BURMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 28, 2019
Solskjaer to MUTV on Pogba: "Paul has played in two games and has been out for a while and it didn’t feel right to play him today." #BURMUN
— Charlotte Duncker (@CharDuncker) December 28, 2019
Today too soon for Pogba – less than 48 hours after second game in five days. Presume he will be involved @Arsenal
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) December 28, 2019