[Tom Cato]

This is excellent and quite honestly brave man management from Ole.

Leaving Pogba out is extremely sensible. A game 48 hours after the previous this quick after a long, long recovery period is asking for trouble. Also leaving him out opens him up to all kinds of "I told you" scrutiny.

We have the squad we have. Lets Hope Greenwood scores a screamer once he's subbed on.

I'd prefer to start Greenwood over James, but other than that this is the best lineup we have today. Williams is going to be very hungry, and Young was honestly decent the last outing he saw.

 

[Suvvernmanc]

Very odd that with Pogba, something doesn't stack up there.

Weve put him in the shop window just before the january window opens. To show possible suitors what he can do

 

[TrustInOle]

Wan Bissaka is one yellow from suspension. Arsenal next...

Makes sense, not having Pogba atleast on the bench doesn't. What good is it if we lose today?

 

[dev1l]

Can't understand no AWB.
And Pogba?

Vs Newcastle I got the impression that Pogba got a knock or something because he was avoiding direct contact with opponents all the time.
AWB I think it s a case of him being tested.

 

[tob]

Which can only mean he is not ready and we can't risk him.

Not ready? How? If he's injured I'd understand. But if he's just rested, then that's a wrong call.
It's possible that it was pre-decided that he wouldn't be involved in this game, but with McTominay injured he should be on the bench.

 

[prateik]

All the decisions make sense..
the real issue is the squad quality falls off a cliff after 13-14 players..

It is what it is.. We'll have a chance to improve that in a couple of days.. knowing Woody.. he will take all month to try and save 2m and end up not doing anything..

 

[PlayerOne]

He’s an 18 year old who played 2 days ago. Pretty sure he played the full 90 as well. Relax.

Eh? He has barely played this season and you said, he's 18, he has more energy than the senior players. Just look at Rooney at the same age.

 

[Amarsdd]

some real dumb fcks in this thread as usual

 

[el3mel]

So people approving this decision are fine losing points today if it backfires so that we might win the next one? Why are we talking so arrogantly and resting already available players who have just returned as if we have a squad full of options and are destined to win this game anyway?

 

[OohAahMartial]

Wan Bissaka is one yellow from suspension. Arsenal next...

Very good point.

Would have liked to see Laird get a start though, but maybe will need some sub apps first.

 

[Ban]

So people approving this decision are fine losing points today if it backfires so that we might win the next one? Why are we talking so arrogantly and resting already available players who have just returned as if we have a squad full of options and are destined to win this game anyway?

Who's fine with losing points? Name one.

 

[Gasolin]

Not ready? How? If he's injured I'd understand. But if he's just rested, then that's a wrong call.
It's possible that it was pre-decided that he wouldn't be involved in this game, but with McTominay injured he should be on the bench.

I am pretty sure those decisions are happening based on the medical staff opinion, and mainly because last time Pogba asked to overrule it, he got injured and went out for months.

 

[Tom Cato]

Makes sense, not having Pogba atleast on the bench doesn't. What good is it if we lose today?

It's too soon. Muscle fibers take 48+ hours to repair. Pogba is just returned from injury. He can not play this game or we risk aggravating it again.

 

[zenith]

With that line up, I would be happy to get away with a draw

 

[dannyrhinos89]

What an embarrassing squad that is.

Not even mid table worthy. Cue the 4-0 win

 

[2 man midfield]

You mean it makes sense to play him in the easier game (Newcastle) but not to have him for the more difficult away game. Shortsighted view from Ole

No it makes sense that he can’t play 2 games in two days. I’d have preferred he played tonight.

Come back to this in a few hours.

It should be enough to beat Burnley. I’m not saying we will.

But not even on the bench?

Who knows? Maybe there’s another reason, but he should at least be on the bench even if he can’t do the full 90.

More concerned about Pogba's omission from the squad. Even if he wasn't 100% fit, surely he could have been given a spot on the bench.

I agree

 

[Ban]

Awful decision by United doctors, who gave them their diploma?

 

[VP89]

Makes sense with Arsenal next. Bit strange not to have him atleast on the bench just incase, with out midfield options right now.

It makes no sense. After Watford Ole suggested the way Pogba played he could have played even more minutes. And he came on when the game was dead against Newcastle. That explanation is curious at best. But a lot of aspects around Pogba is curious and it's always given benefit of doubt, so feck it.

 

[duffer]

Williams has looked excellent for you whenever I've seen him. Have I missed some shaky performances?

 

[el3mel]

Who's fine with losing points? Name one.

So why are we fine letting our best player out of such an important game and defending such decision, when he's totally fine and has just played full 45 minutes, after playing also part of the previous game? Some are saying we are resting him because we have Arsenal next and such, as if it's a piss easy job to win today so let's rest him for upcoming games!

 

[lex talionis]

Not bothered by the starting XI but I am bit surprised Pogba isn’t even on the bench. If we’re going for a match winner it might be good to put on our only world class midfielder with 15 minutes left in the match. And if we’re cruising, or getting crushed, then we don’t.

 

[Random Task]

Williams has looked excellent for you whenever I've seen him. Have I missed some shaky performances?

His last one was a little shaky but he's looked great overall.

A proper modern-day fullback.

 

[Tomuś]

Williams has looked excellent for you whenever I've seen him. Have I missed some shaky performances?

People are just afraid of a potential Tuanzeebe vs Arsenal game I think.

 

[Dec9003]

Williams has looked excellent for you whenever I've seen him. Have I missed some shaky performances?

If I remember right he struggled against Sheff Utd and was completely written off by some.

 

[croadyman]

If he wanted to keep Pogba fresh for Arsenal he at least should have gave him a spot on the bench tonight in case things don't go to plan.

Yeah that was my thoughts as well,surprised to see Greenwood on the bench after recent performances too.

Just can't see Mata coming on and make a match turning impact like Pogba could. Really fear for us if we go behind with that midfield.

I also wonder what Tuanzebe has to do to get a chance ahead of Lindelof. I can see him getting bullied by that Burnley strikeforce.

 

[Gasolin]

So why are we fine letting our best player out of such an important game and defending such decision, when he's totally fine and has just played full 45 minutes, after playing also part of the previous game? Some are saying we are resting him because we have Arsenal next and such, as if it's a piss easy job to win today so let's rest him for upcoming games!

He's coming from a huge injury caused by the staff listening to Pogba wanting to play instead of the medical opinion. I think this time, we are taking no risk and if the medical team said anything, we just follow the orders.

 

[Canagel]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

Rubbish.

 

[Dec9003]

So why are we fine letting our best player out of such an important game and defending such decision, when he's totally fine and has just played full 45 minutes, after playing also part of the previous game? Some are saying we are resting him because we have Arsenal next and such, as if it's a piss easy job to win today so let's rest him for upcoming games!

Why not just wait and see what Solskjaer says before panicking?

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

Williams has looked excellent for you whenever I've seen him. Have I missed some shaky performances?

As usual, a lot of the posters on here wrote him off after his error in the Villa game that gifted Tyrone Mings the equaliser for them.

Other than that, I think he’s been alright

 

[Ramshock]

Whatevers the issue with Pogba it leaves us with a really poor midfield. This wont be pretty at all.

 

[el3mel]

He's coming from a huge injury caused by the staff listening to Pogba wanting to play instead of the medical opinion. I think this time, we are taking no risk and if the medical team said anything, we just follow the orders.

So not even keeping him on the damn bench for whatever upset happening in the game?

 

[Ban]

So why are we fine letting our best player out of such an important game and defending such decision, when he's totally fine and has just played full 45 minutes, after playing also part of the previous game? Some are saying we are resting him because we have Arsenal next and such, as if it's a piss easy job to win today so let's rest him for upcoming games!

Jesus. Nobody is defending it and nobody has a clue why he's out, just talking about possible reasons...

 

[sammsky1]

Absolutely crying out for reinforcements in midfield in January or we will be asking for trouble.

I agree. Bu it's a catch 22, in that we have to get the right type of players in, that can improve the team over next 3 years, and not bring in LVG type signings that ended up as average dross who clogged up wage bill. And get those within a reasonable budget. Tricky.

 

[tob]

I am pretty sure those decisions are happening based on the medical staff opinion, and mainly because last time Pogba asked to overrule it, he got injured and went out for months.

Sure, that's fair.

 

[OohAahMartial]

I would imagine that if we have to sub off Matic or Fred, Andreas would drop back, and Lingard or Mata would come on.

Squad is what it is. Just hope we strengthen the midfield in January...but alarming lack of links to anyone.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

I really like Williams. The only worry I have is Burnley are the type of teams to wind him up. I just hope he ignores their bullshit.

 

[Random Task]

So why are we fine letting our best player out of such an important game and defending such decision, when he's totally fine and has just played full 45 minutes, after playing also part of the previous game? Some are saying we are resting him because we have Arsenal next and such, as if it's a piss easy job to win today so let's rest him for upcoming games!

Doubtful that's the reason.

Resting players for a big game is fine, but not having them as an option from the bench is outright bizarre. Especially since we have no midfielders on the bench at all now.

 

[el3mel]

Jesus. Nobody is defending it and nobody has a clue why he's out, just talking about possible reasons...

Really? The manager himself came and said he's keeping him out because he feels he's not ready yet for 2 games in a row. Just stupid and terrible reason to not even keep him as an option on bench. I hope for God sake it won't backfire on us.

 

[Bebestation]

I agree. Bu it's a catch 22, in that we have to get the right type of players in, that can improve the team over next 3 years, and not bring in LVG type signings that ended up as average dross who clogged up wage bill. And get those within a reasonable budget. Tricky.

Or a Mourinho signing that is not useful at all. I think Ole will sign someone good.

 

[OohAahMartial]

Yeah that was my thoughts as well,surprised to see Greenwood on the bench after recent performances too.

Just can't see Mata coming on and make a match turning impact like Pogba could. Really fear for us if we go behind with that midfield.

I also wonder what Tuanzebe has to do to get a chance ahead of Lindelof. I can see him getting bullied by that Burnley strikeforce.

I think Tuanzebe has an injury/knock.