'Solskjaer doesn't totally trust Pogba'

Despite Pogba impressing in Manchester United’s latest victory, Solskjaer’s decision to play him out of position baffles Owen.

Michael Owen has suggested Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘doesn’t totally trust’ after again playing the Frenchman out of his natural position.

Pogba started on the left side of a three-man attack behind Marcus Rashford in Manchester United’s 3-1 win at Aston Villa on Sunday. Scott McTominay and Fred got the nod in central midfield instead.

It’s not the first time either that Solskjaer has opted for such a set-up, leaving Owen to suggest Pogba’s defensive abilities are not up to his expectations.

Paul Pogba vs Aston Villa

90 minutes played
1 penalty won
63 touches
38 passes completed
2 chance created
2/3 long balls completed
1 dribble completed
3 duels won
4 fouls won
3 recoveries
1 clearance
1 interception pic.twitter.com/ouQ5KuwzAt

— PogbaXtra™ (@PogbaXtra) May 9, 2021

“I know every Manchester United fan around the world would agree: get Paul Pogba in alongside one sitting midfield player,” the former Red Devils striker told Premier League Productions.

“Then you can get an extra body going forward, the likes of [Edinson] Cavani and you can put [Bruno] 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 [Solskjaer] 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 central midfield player alongside one of them.”

Three second-half goals from Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood, and Edinson Cavani sealed United victory at Villa Park.

Solskjaer’s men next welcome Leicester City to Old Trafford on Tuesday night.