Gary Neville believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer i s not starting Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek at the moment because Fred and Scott McTominay provide more balance in a trio with Bruno Fernandes.
Despite a promising cameo in midweek against PSG, Pogba was once again named on the bench for the game against Chelsea alongside summer signing Van de Beek. Pogba hasn't started for United since October 4 and Van de Beek is yet to line up in a league game for his new club.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said he was not surprised by the decision to leave both attack-minded midfielders on the bench against Chelsea.
Instead, he argued that the combination of Fred and McTominay provide a foundation for United that gets the best out of Fernandes' creativity going forward.
“I think the back five he’s picked is who he trusts most," he said. "With Maguire fit, he’s felt comfortable to back to the back four. It’s the one you’d expect Ole to pick, I know the team did very well in Paris, but that certainly is the chosen five that he would always go with.
"The midfield three, I like to think it’s his favourite midfield three. Fred and McTominay seem to bring out the best in Fernandes. Trying to find that balance with Fernandes, Pogba and van de Beek hasn’t quite happened yet. Privately, Ole might feel that the three at the moment is the three that might get them the best result on the pitch.
"Up front, it’s blatantly obvious that Greenwood’s not been playing this week, Martial’s suspended, so he’s decided that Cavani isn’t ready and he’s gone with the three that played against Newcastle.
"I don’t think it’s as big a shock as maybe social media or ourselves are considering here."
