Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was asked about playing Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek in the same midfield at his press conference this morning.
It’s difficult to see Solskjaer opting for all three of these midfielders if he continues setting up his teams in 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations. The manager will work towards finding the best formula to win games and players are going to lose out on game time.
United would be far too light — hence why Solskjaer explained earlier today that there are many players fighting for places, such as Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay and Fred. Those three are far from perfect but it’s all we’ve got.
Opposition teams would walk past United midfield without one of them protecting the back four, and our midfield would be non-existent, which is often the case when Matic is absent.
Manchester United legend Bryan Robson believes Pogba could miss out on a spot in United’s best starting eleven this season.
“I would probably go with Fernandes, Matic and [Van] De Beek and just see where they go with it,” Robson told talkSPORT.
“We’ve got Scott McTominay, Fred who can do that holding role. Then you’ve got Pogba.
“I thought Paul started off poor even though he finished the season really strong. Maybe it is just a matter of time for the lads to get going. But the last thing you want is playing catch up to Liverpool.
“Pogba, Fernandes and Van de Beek, can you get the three of them in the team? Only time will tell.”
It’s a good position for Solskjaer to be in because Van de Beek will push Pogba for a place in the team and the Frenchman has not had a challenge like that since returning to Old Trafford.
Competition in the squad can only be a good thing.
Read more: Leeds want Manchester United winger on loan