Paul Pogba admits he had little choice but to come off at half-time during Manchester United’s win over Granada on Thursday night. United set-up a semi final tie against Roma as they fought hard to beat their Spanish opponents 4-0 on aggregate thanks to a 2-0 win at Old Trafford in the second leg.
Paul Pogba said: “I had to come off. But I know that if I come off the other players who come in they will make the difference as well. So this yellow card was unfortunate. For me it wasn’t a yellow card and I’m sure for a lot of people. But you’ve got to accept it. I think it was a foul against me, but we won that is the most important thing.”
When asked if he thought the Granada players might try to get him sent off if he had stayed on the pitch
Paul Pogba added: “For sure. I know the foul just after it I saw all the players were trying to get me out. That is when the manager saw it as well that it is better if I come off before I get the red card and I could put my team in difficulties.”
Speaking after the match Solskjaer gave his own take on the situation.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “Sometimes, Paul wants to win so much. He went into a couple of tackles after his yellow card but I thought I don’t want to risk that [him being sent off] even though he played so well. We missed three today [through suspension]. The season has been hard enough as it is.”
