All of Solskjaer’s wins against City have come without Paul Pogba

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Manchester United take on Manchester City this weekend without the suspended Paul Pogba.

Pogba’s unimpressive recent form suggests he will not be much of a loss.

In his recent performances against Leicester, Liverpool and Atalanta he has been more of a liability than an asset.

Recent history also suggests Pogba will not be a loss to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this weekend.

Solskjaer’s last seven games against City have yielded four wins, two defeats, and one draw.

• 2-1 away win in Premier League
• 3-1 defeat at home in Carabao Cup first leg
• 1-0 away win in Carabao Cup semi-final second leg
• 2-0 home win in Premier League
• 0-0 draw at Old Trafford
• 2-0 home defeat in Carabao Cup
• 2-0 away win in Premier League

All four of the victories have come without Paul Pogba in the starting line-up.

The most recent 2-0 win at The Etihad came with United’s tried and trusted midfield of Fred, Scott McTominay, and Bruno Fernandes.

The last two matches Pogba started against City were the 2-0 home defeat in the Carabao Cup last month, and the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford in the Premier League last season.

Those two matches are the odd ones out in the last five games – United have won the other three when he has not played.

All of this does not mean that Pogba being out means United will win, but his absence is not a blow to United, in some ways it helps Solskjaer by narrowing his selection options, making it more likely he will go with a team which has beaten City in the past.

Solskjaer needs a win over City right now more than ever.

His previous record will give him hope, and also fuel Pep Guardiola’s desire to get one over on United.

City will feel like they have a point to prove, especially after a shock home defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend.

United can go level on points with City with a win, while the visitors can open up a six point gap.

There is a lot to play for and United have a big squad of players available for the game. Pogba won’t be among them, and that is not a blow to be worried about.

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