Man Utd boss Solskjaer clashes with Roy Keane over Paul Pogba Liverpool performance
Man Utd: Solskjaer says Pogba is ‘prime example’ of improvement
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was at odds with Roy Keane over Paul Pogba’s performance against Liverpool on Sunday. Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Anfield meant the Red Devils stayed top of the Premier League, three points clear of Jurgen Klopp’s defending champions.
Pogba was deployed in a new position as Solskjaer’s side sought a win that would have sent a huge statement in this season’s title race.
Having played in midfield and on the left of United’s attack in recent weeks, the World Cup winner started Sunday’s clash on the right flank, partly in a bid to negate the threat of Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson.
Pogba forced a save from Liverpool keeper Alisson in the second half as the Red Devils sensed an opportunity to extend the gap over their fierce rivals, with Bruno Fernandes also denied by the Reds keeper.
Afterwards, Solskjaer hailed Pogba’s performance as ‘brilliant’ – but Keane blasted the midfielder for wasting United’s best chance of the game.
TOP STORY: Man Utd boss Solskjaer ‘disappointed’ with stars after Liverpool draw
“I think Paul was absolutely brilliant today,” United manager Solskjaer told Sky Sports.
“We knew he had to do a job defensively, block and help us with [Andy] Robertson, and I thought he was excellent and he should have got the goal his performance deserved.”
Pogba has been in impressive form in recent weeks in a variety of positions – but Keane said the 27-year-old had squandered a “huge moment in United’s season”.
“I think they will be disappointed with their two best chances of the whole game,” the former United midfielder said in the Sky Sports studio.
DON’T MISS
Roy Keane defends Man Utd’s Marcus Rashford from Micah Richards [QUOTES]
Bruno Fernandes fumes at Solskjaer as Man Utd draw with Liverpool [REACTION]
Man Utd drawing with Liverpool shows Solskjaer has weaknesses to fix [ANALYSIS]
“Liverpool obviously had a lot of possession, started well. But the two big chances United had in the second half, particularly the more you watch it – Pogba – they’re saying it’s a great save but he has to score.
“What a boost that would have been for United – spoiling their home record, the three points.
“Pogba, you can tell by his reaction. His first touch excellent. Oh my goodness. Has to score. Go across the goalkeeper. Anywhere but straight at him.
Premier League done deals: Every confirmed transfer in the top flight
“It’s easy when you’re watching here but Pogba, because his first touch was so good he’s given himself the opportunity to go across the goalkeeper. Huge moment in the season for United.
“Credit to the keeper he stood up, made himself big but that was the chance you’d be praying for before the game.”
Liverpool dropped to fourth place as a result of the draw, after being overtaken by Manchester City and Leicester who both won over the weekend.
Source: Read Full Article