Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic admitted he didn’t know why Paul Pogba missed Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Huddersfield Town, which could suggest the alleged illness claims may not be entirely accurate.
According to the Manchester Evening News, manager Jose Mourinho stated on Friday that Pogba would play against the Terriers on the weekend. However, five hours before kick-off a day later, it was announced Ethan Hamilton would take the French international’s place.
Gutted I won’t be at Huddersfield but I need to get better. Come on United ?? @ManUtd
— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) February 17, 2018
Mourinho has been very non-committal when asked about a potential return date of the 24-year-old, and Matic didn’t make things easier by admitting he had no idea Pogba was missing the game through a late illness.
He said after Saturday’s FA Cup triumph: “(Pogba) is an important player for us, this club, but he is ill and I think that we in the midfield did great. Michael (Carrick) is an amazing player even at 36 he ran a lot and Scott (McTominay) played amazing today.
“I am not sure what has happened, I think he was ill and didn’t feel very well this morning so I hope he will be ready for the next game.”
Pogba has been a regular in the United first-team this season, but his appearance record has been flaky in recent weeks.
The former Juventus midfielder, who returned to Old Trafford in 2016, was brought off against Tottenham at the end of January and Newcastle this month, while being benched in a league game against Huddersfield.
And now with Pogba being left out of the matchday squad in the FA Cup fifth round, rumours will intensify that there is a problem between player and manager.
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