Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 5y

Pogba can share penalty duties - Solskjaer

MANCHESTER, England -- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he will continue to let Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba decide on the pitch who takes Manchester United's penalties despite a costly miss from the spot against Wolves.

Pogba saw his kick saved by Rui Patricio to deny United victory at Molineux after the Frenchman, who has missed four penalties in the last year, pulled rank on Rashford.

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The on-field debate drew criticism from former United player Gary Neville but Solskjaer insists he has not changed his policy ahead of Crystal Palace's visit to Old Trafford on Saturday.

"I'm sure you're going see Paul Pogba score a pen for Manchester United again," Solskjaer told a news conference on Friday.

"We're practising [penalties] still and Marcus and Paul are still on them.

"Don't be surprised if Marcus or Paul scores the next one. There was absolutely no fighting amongst them.

"We've nominated two [takers] and throughout the season you'll have games where they are not playing and it's good to know they're there and trusted to take pens.

"It's not like anarchy and they can do whatever they want, we have a few. Last year we had Marcus, Jesse [Lingard] and Paul, it's not just left to them."

Pogba was subjected to racist abuse on social media following his penalty miss, prompting the club to brand the behaviour of those responsible as "disgusting".

Solskjaer has spoken to the midfielder since the incident on Monday night and insists the 26-year-old is ready to play against Palace.

"Paul is fine," Solskjaer said.

"He's a strong character and it makes him stronger. When you speak to him he's fine and I just cannot be believe we're still here in 2019 talking about these instances."

Meanwhile, the United manager has refused to hit back with Romelu Lukaku after the Belgium international said he "didn't feel protected" during a summer of speculation about his future.

Solskjaer, however, did suggest again that Alexis Sanchez could leave Old Trafford before the European transfer deadline on Sept. 2.

Talks are continuing with Inter Milan over a potential loan deal although sources have told ESPN FC that an agreement is not yet close.

"There are still talks with some clubs," Solskjaer said.

"He played [behind closed doors against Sheffield United] and played well. He's working hard and let's see in September what's going to happen."

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