As he came off, in the 74′ of United’s Ronaldo fueled 3-2 win over Norwich City, Paul Pogba was booed and cursed at by his own team’s fans. Pogba responded by motioning to the crowd by cupping his ear. (We already knew he’s had one foot out the door for some time, but well, apparently all the bridges are going to be burned on the way out now)
His replacement, Juan Mata, brought a lot to the game, contrasting Pogba who brought nothing. Quite a few United supporters took to Twitter to say “Mata and Matic (in the first team) for the rest of the season.” Heading into the rivalry grudge match with Liverpool FC on Tuesday night, we don’t disagree.
Manchester United at Liverpool FC FYIs
Kickoff: 3pm ET, Tuesday, Apr 19
TV Channel: USA Network
Starting XI Predictions: United Liverpool FC
After Extra Time Podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts
Team News: United Liverpool FC
Manchester United Summer Transfer Window Keep or Cut Series
Midfielders Attack Defenders Goalkeepers
Why not start the veteran pair, especially since they’re both leaving the club, for the remainder of the run-in? Obviously Cristiano Ronaldo is undroppable at this point too.
And with one eye on the future, you got to put Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho in the first team too.
Manchester United Starting XI Prediction at Liverpool FC
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Telles; Matic, Mata; Fernandes, Elanga, Sancho; Ronaldo
Fearless Prediction: Liverpool FC 2, Man United 0
Really don’t think that United have a true chance in this one. But then again who knows? Crazy things happen in rivalry matches, right?
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Bank (TheSportsBank.Net) and author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” as well as “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He has regularly appeared in WGN, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune, and co-hosts the After Extra Time podcast. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.