Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick explains decision to drop Paul Pogba and makes bold Nemanja Matic claim

Manchester United star Paul Pogba has been dropped to the bench for Saturday’s clash against Everton at Goodison Park.

The midfielder has been more of a regular feature in Ralf Rangnick’s side after returning from a hamstring injury.

Pogba started in United’s last Premier League outing – the 1-1 draw with Leicester City at Old Trafford.

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But the French World Cup winner has to settle for a place on the substitutes bench this weekend, with Nemanja Matic stepping in to partner Fred at the base of midfield.

Explaining his selection decision, United boss Rangnick described Matic as one of the best No.6s the Red Devils have when it comes to possession.

‘I had to choose between him [Matic] and Pogba and I decided to start with Nemanja, as a holding six he’s one of the best players we have in possession of the ball so that’s why I went with him,’ Rangnick told MUTV.

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Rangnick has made a further five changes, with Cristiano Ronaldo back from illness, while Victor Lindelof, Alex Telles, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Marcus Rashford come in.

United are chasing Tottenham and Arsenal for a space in the top four, and go up against an Everton side who are battling to save their status as a Premier League club.

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