Phil Neville reckons that it is ‘absolutely disgraceful’ that Paul Pogba has been reduced to a bit part role at Manchester United, the midfielder having to settle for a place on the bench in recent weeks.
The midfielder has made just four starts in the Premier League this season, starting Saturday’s 3-1 win over Everton on the bench and only being introduced in the 82nd minute.
Some of Manchester United‘s best results have come with Fred and Scott McTominay playing as a midfield two in behind the influential Bruno Fernandes, though former United player Phil Neville thinks that the £89million man should be accommodated in the middle of the park.
“I still think it’s absolutely disgraceful that Pogba can’t get in that team,” Neville told Premier League Productions.
“For United to win a league, for United to be successful, for United to play the style of football that Ole wants them to play then Pogba has to play.
“You can play one of them, Matic, Fred or McTominay and then you play Pogba with Fernandes.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has regularly preferred to set up his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Fernandes instantly making the number 10 position his own following his January arrival. Despite his strong words about Pogba’s absence, the former England Women’s boss reckons the Frenchman isn’t suited to a role deeper in midfield.
“Probably not no but I’d rather go out there and score goals, go out there and go for the win playing the Manchester United way with Pogba in the team.
“I know I’ve said about him wanting to leave, not wanting to be there and his inconsistencies but I still think he’s one of the best midfielders around. That’s why I’m thinking: Why is Paul Pogba not in that team?”
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