Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says his decision to drop Paul Pogba to the bench for Manchester United‘s Champions League loss to RB Leipzig had nothing to do with Mino Raiola’s explosive comments about his future.

Pogba was named among the substitutes for the game in Germany — which United need to draw to guarantee qualification from Group H — 24 hours after his agent Raiola said his time at Old Trafford “is over” because he will not sign a new contract.

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“My decision tonight is obviously tactical,” Solskjaer told BT Sport ahead of kickoff. “The decision was made way before this game because we decided on Scott [McTominay] and Nemanja [Matic] in midfield before we played West Ham. We always think about the team.”

Raiola’s comments have overshadowed the build-up to a huge week for United, who play Manchester City on Saturday, four days after the make-or-break tie with RB Leipzig.

But asked what affect the storm has had on preparations, Solskjaer replied: “Nothing. For me, we prepare for every single game as if it’s your last. We’ve got City on Saturday but that doesn’t matter. The preparation has been good.”

Pogba was brought on in the 60th minute of United’s 3-2 loss, which saw them exit the competition in the group stage, and after the match Solskjaer again commented on the Frenchman’s status with the club and his agent’s comments.

“As soon as Pogba’s agent realises it is a team sport the better. I don’t want to spend energy on that,” Solskjaer said. “You have to ask Paul if he is happy or not, I won’t speak for him.

“He’s working hard in training and he needs to focus on his performances. Now is not the time to discuss transfers.”

Sourced from Man United