Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains why he’s recalled Paul Pogba for Manchester City clash

Paul Pogba starts for Manchester United at home to Manchester City (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said he decided to recall Paul Pogba and Fred to his starting XI as he wanted the fresh legs and added energy the pair could bring to his midfield against Manchester City.

Pogba only made the bench as United crashed out of the Champions League at Leipzig in midweek, just hours after the Frenchman’s agent, Mino Raiola, declared that his time at the club was ‘over’.

But the World Cup winner returns in the middle of the park for this evening’s derby at Old Trafford, with Fred also recalled for the first time since his sending off at home to Paris Saint-Germain.

Nemanja Matic and Alex Telles drop out after the Red Devils’ crushing defeat in Germany on Wednesday night.

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Marcus Rashford starts alongside Mason Greenwood in attack for the hosts, despite his struggles with a shoulder problem ahead of the match.

On his team selection, Solskjaer told MUTV: ‘We want to play well, they’ve had good performances, both Paul and Fred, they’re in good form and we wanted to get them on the pitch.

‘We need energy because we are playing against a good team.

‘He [Paul] got his injury after the international break and missed out on a few games. He played and did his highest total of physical output against West Ham.

‘He’s getting fitter and fitter, he’s getting in shape now and should be ready.’

On Pogba starting, the Norwegian told Sky Sports: ‘There’s no point talking off the pitch anyway.

‘You have to talk on the pitch as a footballer, that’s where the proof is.

‘You can’t stop good players playing well if they concentrate on their performances and he’s been focussed on his football, fortunately.’

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Former United defender Wes Brown praised Solskjaer’s team selection and hopes to see Pogba taking up advanced positions against Pep Guardiola’s side.

‘I like it. Pogba’s back in so that’s interesting,’ Brown told MUTV.

‘Probably Scott [McTominay] and Fred will be sitting a little bit, maybe giving license for Pogba to help Bruno further forward.

‘But it’s looking a strong side and if United can be smart at the back then we’re more than capable of scoring goals with this team.’

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