PAUL POGBA has been overlooked as captain for Manchester United’s Carabao Cup game against Rochdale – for rookie Axel Tuanzebe.
Despite having the World Cup winner back from injury for the third round clash, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has handed the armband to the player who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa.
Solskjaer HAS named Pogba as his captain before. The French midfielder was tasked with leading the side for the FA Cup quarter-final 2-1 defeat to Wolves on March 2019.
He even talked up the former Juventus man’s chances of being named skipper this season.
Speaking in pre-season, Solskjaer said: “We’ve got quite a few possibilities there and when the season starts we’ll announce it.
“Of course we’ll have a good assessment, see how pre-season goes. But, as you saw, Ashley will wear it when he’s playing until we decide on someone.”
Asked if Pogba was being considered Solskjaer replied: “Yeah”.
This was despite Pogba being continuously linked with a move away from Old Trafford – with Real Madrid the most likely destination.
But the gaffer has plumped for Tuanzebe tonight, who was brought up in Rochdale.
He has captained United at every age group barring the first team – until tonight.
Speaking about the return of Pogba for the game, Solskjaer said: “Yeh it is good he has had a couple of games training and he needs a game to further his recovery.
“Hopefully he is then ready for Arsenal on Monday.”
