Countdown in Sevilla is a matter of hours away, and Jose Mourinho is yet to decide on which of his Manchester United players will start the game.
Paul Pogba has made the trip to Spain after missing the FA Cup game with Huddersfield due to illness. While many might expect the French international to be restored to the starting line-up and there was chat that he would be accommodated with a new formation, it appears this might not be the case after all.
Miguel Delaney, The Independent’s Chief Football Writer, claims that Mourinho is undecided on his starting XI for the game, with Pogba likelier to begin it from the United bench.
Mourinho still hasn’t made mind up on right tonight – Mata or Martial – and decision could alter things but understand Pogba likelier to be back on bench. Let’s see.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) February 21, 2018
Prior to missing the game at Huddersfield at the weekend, Pogba has failed to complete 90 minutes in United’s last three league matches. He was substituted during the second half of United’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham at Wembley last month, as was the case in the 1-0 loss at Newcastle. He was named as a substitute for the other game – also against Huddersfield – appearing as a second half substitute.
Clearly, Pogba’s performances have been substandard in recent weeks, prompting some to speculate that he and Mourinho have fallen out. Although the United boss has strongly denied these claims, starting him on the bench in tonight’s Champions League last 16 first leg is unlikely to put an end to such speculation.
