Paul Scholes wasn't surprised to see Jose Mourinho drop Paul Pogba for Manchester United's Champions League clash with Sevilla, because the Portuguese has lost "trust" in the Frenchman.
The Red Devils' record £89million signing, who hasn't played a full game for the club since the 1-0 win over Burnley on January 20, was named on the bench for the first leg of United's last-16 clash.
However, he was forced on in just the 16th minute of the match in Spain after Ander Herrera picked up an injury. He played the remainder of the fixture, but lacked match fitness, and failed to impact the tie.
Scholes spoke about the midfielder following the tie, and suggested it wasn't a shock to see Mourinho had left the Frenchman on the bench.
Pogba has been suffering with illness, and Scholes isn't convinced that Pogba is in the Manchester United manager's good books at the moment.
"I think Mourinho has lost a little bit of trust in him, especially for tonight, a big European away game," said Scholes on BT Sport.
"He doesn't play the position particularly well defensively. He's got all the attributes going forward he's fantastic, he has great ability - more ability that the other three players that are playing.
"But the positional sense in a big European away game; Mourinho wants that solidity in midfield and to hit them on the counter-attack."
KUBOSKEEY
87
I will go back to what Paul Scholes said earlier this season that, he should try and play naturally. Pogba is not a dribbler and he should never try to be one. he is a passer, a complete midfielder whose abilities are superb. he can tackle, dribble a little, shot, and control the field to his taste. these are all the things we are looking for. fighting hard to break Lampard's record is a fantasy. If you play the rightful way, the dream will be replaced with something special eventually. I will urge him to pair matic in the midfield. he should be our kroos, pirlo, xavi, and new Scholes. and gladly, he could work as our Vidal or nainggollan. why disturbing yourself bro, get it right and stop asking for a position out of greed... we love you bro. You must not get dropped again, we hate that. In this case, I will never blame your coach, he has done the rightful dropping you.....
Dawaenptz
24
I knew without doubt Mourinho will play Herrera in midfield and Matic but rather ended up playing Herrera upfront in support of Lukaku and Sanchez. I would have preferred Right footed Herrera and Tominay in midfield which brings an advantage in their turning to win the ball. Matic was a bit slow and indecisive and gave too many balls away. But I preferred playing Pogba and Sanchez just behind Lukaku that's adds an amount of creativity and options in support of Lukaku and truly Herrera's injury was a blessing in disguise. You saw Pogba'a mental readiness seeing Herrera was off and he's the last option. He gave his all just that he did not partner well with Alexis to create easier scoring chances for Lukaku and I think that must be the aim of Pogba: to form a telepathy with Alexis. I believe they can form one of the most dangerous pairs in creating chances because of their level of creativity. They should make that their aim and work at it. The problem of United is still their understanding of each other in the final third. They give too many balls away and sometimes play as if there is nothing at stake. My colleagues and I who watched the game complained bitterly. I also do not understand why defenders rather like to retreat when attackers are coming with the ball when they have to confront them tactfully. It creates too many spaces for the strikers to run around them them and create havoc especially if the turning of those defenders are poor like Smalling and Young who can easily be wrong footed. Valencia is okay and we need Eric Bailly against Chelsea. Those mistakes must be avoided against Chelsea who really knows how to punish Man U's vulnerability
Idiosyncrasy
14
Easy to said than done. What would it be like if scholes manages man u? He should try it. Don’t underestimate mourinho just because he drop the then expensive pogba. He must have his own reason for not liking pogba now. Pogba may insult him in some ways that media never knew of it. We never know the real reason why mourinho drop him. Mourinho had triumph in the pass decade with a few trophies under his belt. The supporters should have trust in the manager of the club so the manager & the players can boost their morales. Btw im not a man u supporters. Its just a remarks for those who ‘despise’ mourinho. He’s doing a great job for now. Sitting 2nd in the table.