Jamie Redknapp has backed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision to bench Paul Pogba for Manchester United. The Red Devils face Arsenal this weekend and there is plenty of speculation over Pogba’s future. The influential midfielder has started just four matches for United this season, failing to find the sort of form that he and Bruno Fernandes produced together last season. But amidst all the criticism, Redknapp says he can see why the United manager has taken that decision.
Jamie Redknapp said “I’ve always stuck up for Paul Pogba, I must admit. I like the way he plays, he has all the attributes to be the player that we all admire and have spoken so much about, but it seems to be a bit of a problem getting the best out of him for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He’s not producing the form he should do. It’s a position I played in and I always look at players and wonder if I’d have liked to have played against them. First of all, I look at Paul Pogba and think I wouldn’t want to play against him – he’s tall, he’s skilful, he’s athletic and he can tackle when he wants to. But he doesn’t do enough in the game. Is he affecting the game enough for Manchester United? All the great midfield players, I’m sure it must frustrate the likes of Roy Keane and Paul Scholes because they know what he’s capable of but he’s not producing it. That’s why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has finally come to the conclusion that he can’t afford to have him in the team. It’s not about whether him and Fernandes can’t play together, they can do, but Paul Pogba’s got to do more. He’s got to warrant a place alongside him. When they first played together, we all through it was the dream ticket and the midfield was as good as anyone’s, but as of late it hasn’t been.”
