Former Manchester City striker Niall Quinn has questioned Paul Pogba's place in Manchester United's starting XI.

United have shown improved performances in Pogba's absence and the statistics suggest they are more successful when he is not in their line-up, with former Ireland striker Quinn suspecting that he might no longer be part of Solskjaer's first-choice team.

"There is a big question mark around Pogba now," said Virgin Media Sport analyst Quinn to the Sunday World. "He was left out of the last few games and United have done well in his absence, so you wonder where that story will go now.

"The stats tell us that United do better when Pogba is not playing, but stats only tell you part of the story.

"We don't see what goes on behind the scenes at the training ground every day and you throw determination, a team ethic, application, desire, taking one for the team when you need to... all these things add up.

"I think Solskjaer is beginning to get it right now and he is getting a response from his squad. If that is coming without Pogba starting games, he has to go with that and it is up to the player to make an impact if he is coming off the bench.

"Those being picked to play for United have given Solskjaer the kind of commitment you need to display when you play for a big club and it will be interesting to see if he picks Pogba for the Leipzig game."