• Manager says resting players for long Astana trip was key• Solskjær expects
Paul Pogba to return before end of yearOle Gunnar Solskjær said his decision to rest senior players for the arduous trip to Kazakhstan last month is behind Manchester United’s impressive performances in the past two weeks, with the club up to fifth after beating José Mourinho’s
Tottenham and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
With qualification for the Europa knockout stage assured an extremely callow United side lost in Astana, though they will finish top of their group as long as they avoid defeat by AZ Alkmaar at Old Trafford in the final group game on Thursday. Solskjær confirmed he would again be considering reserves and academy products, while sending out a team capable of winning.