Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has explained his decision to start a midfield axis of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Manchester United can go top of the Premier League if they avoid defeat over Sean Dyche’s men and key players have returned after heavy rotation in the FA Cup victory over Watford.
Pogba’s inclusion alongside Matic at the base of midfield is perhaps the headline news, with the pair not familiar with playing alongside each other this season.
Solskjaer has often preferred the double pivot of Scott McTominay and Fred but Pogba and Matic have their chance to shine ahead of Sunday’s Anfield showdown against Liverpool.
“They have the experience and the physical size,” Solskjaer said pre-match, as quoted by BBC Sport journalist Shamoon Hafez.
“They have played well when they have played there, have a good understanding and partnership with each other.”
Pogba’s creative abilities as well as his experience and physically will be important as United look to seal another away win in the league.
The Frenchman is selected in an attacking starting team that also includes Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani.
Cavani is returning after a three-game suspension and will be raring to go this evening.
Solskjaer on starting Pogba with Matic: “They have the experience and the physical size.
"They have played well when they have played there, have a good understanding and partnership with each other." #MUFC— Shamoon Hafez (@ShamoonHafez) January 12, 2021
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