Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the defensive solidity that both Scott McTominay and Fred could provide meant that he opted to leave Paul Pogba on the bench against PSG.

The midfield pair played a critical part as the Red Devils secured a 2-1 win at the Parc des Princes yesterday evening. The duo also featured against Newcastle in the 4-1 win at the weekend and Solskjaer feels they are playing a key role in the team’s improved form:

“They’re in good form now, they’re good players and they played really well against Newcastle. They laid the foundations for the win in that game, and I think they laid the foundation today as well. Scotty played the first half as well with only one eye, that was the most impressive thing because he lost his contact lens. So that was impressive.”

Pogba did come on in the second half and contributed the assist for Marcus Rashford’s crucial winning goal so he could well be recalled for the game against Chelsea at the weekend, but Solskjaer will be hesitant to change a winning team.

McTominay and Fred’s work rate in the middle of the park is helping to protect a vulnerable backline, and with doubts over the fitness of captain Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly, it may be wise to keep the midfield as it is ahead of Saturday’s game at Old Trafford.