By Sam Preston

Solskjaer explains why he's put Ronaldo on the bench vs Everton

The big team news for Manchester United against Everton is Cristiano Ronaldo being dropped to the bench.

Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho also drop out of the side which started against Villarreal.

Luke Shaw is back, replacing Alex Telles, with Fred and Aaron Wan-Bissaka included too.

Speaking to MUTV before the game, Solskjaer explained the eye-catching decision, which has seen Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani come into the team.

“Wednesday night was a big physical and emotional output so we had to freshen it up,” said Solskjaer.

“An early kick-off, the start of this game is going to be very important and we’ve got some very good players coming on. It’s a team we think can take charge of the game.

On Cavani and Martial, he said: “They know they’re good players and if we’re going to be successful this season we need to rotate, manage the minutes and everyone’s together.

“They might be required and they’re all ready to come on. We’ve had a chat about subs making the impact. They did on Wednesday and that’ll be the case at other times this season too.

The decision to put Ronaldo on the bench will come under scrutiny if United don’t get all three points.

Solskjaer has rotated his side against Young Boys and West Ham lately, and both games have ended in defeat.

Martial needs to offer a real improvement on his performance against the Hammers that night because this is a big chance for him.

Ronaldo will likely come on at some point, especially if United are chasing the game again.

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Sam Preston

Sam Preston is an NCTJ gold standard news and sports journalist who studied with the Press Association. He also has a 2:1 law with French law degree from the University of Birmingham, which included a year studying at Bordeaux Montaigne University. He is an FA Level 1 football coach who appeared on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show in 2018 and has also written digital football content and match-day programme pieces for Colchester United, Mansfield Town and Stockport County.