Former Manchester United striker turned footballing pundit Michael Owen feels Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does not fully ‘trust’ midfielder Paul Pogba.
Following United’s latest win over Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, Owen, who spoke to Premier League productions said he views Pogba’s situation as a ‘conundrum’.
There have been relentless rumours suggesting that the French midfielder could be on his way out of Old Trafford ahead of his contract expiring next summer.
However, despite the transfer speculation, Pogba appears happy with life under Solskjaer.
In fact, when the Frenchman is fully fit, Pogba features for his boss more often than not – since the start of this season, Pogba has been named in 39 of Solskjaer’s teams, in all competitions.
However, although the versatile midfielder appears to be playing an important role in the Red Devils’ campaign, Owen feels Solskjaer may not have full confidence in his World Cup winner.
“I know every Manchester United fan around the world would agree: get Paul Pogba in alongside one sitting midfield player,” said Owen (as quoted by MEN) “Then you can get an extra body going forward, the likes of Cavani and you can put Fernandes in behind with the two normal wide players.
“However, as it is, you have to put Cavani on the bench because you don’t trust Pogba in the middle as a sitting midfielder so you have to stick him out wide. It’s a conundrum.
“Whenever they play against a very good side, he goes back to basics. He goes back to thinking, ‘I need those two protective midfield players’. When he’s playing an average team at home, he’ll go and play all his stars. He lets the shackles off.
“But I don’t think he totally trusts Pogba in that role as a centre midfield player alongside one of them.”
Before the month of May is done – United have four more Premier League matches to play plus a massive Europa League final against Villarreal.
Given the nature of Owen’s recent comments and taking into consideration the magnitude of the side’s up and coming games, time will be the deciding factor on whether or not the Englishman’s assessment of Solskjaer and Pogba is right.
Read more: Man United decide when to open contract talks with Bruno Fernandes
Pogba’s not the problem it is Mac/Fred
It’s a shame Owen likes to talk alot. Go on be a coach instead of a pundit thinking you know it all. OGS has found another element to Pogba’s game and all you can say is that he doesn’t trust him.