Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba appears to have extended his time out from playing for the club, after he was pictured on crutches after sustaining an injury in France training during the international break.

The Frenchman was already out of the side due to a three-match ban he picked up in the infamous 5-0 defeat to Liverpool a few weeks ago where he was sent off with a straight red when he directed a dreadful tackle at Naby Keita.

Despite Ole's clear hesitation to start the 24-year-old midfielder, the Norwegian manager may not have a choice but to unleash Donny Van De Beek in his starting midfield.

The Dutchman has been benched more often than not for the Red Devils, but with the absence of Pogba and pressure from the fans to see him play, Solskjaer will need to make a career-defining decision as to whether he gives the former Ajax star a chance to shine.

If Van De Beek did get given the opportunity to start for the Manchester United side in Pogba's predicted lengthy absence, it could be humiliating for Solskjaer who has snubbed the attacking midfielder on several occasions. That's especially if he performs to the high levels we have seen for Ajax where he bagged 41 goals and 34 assists, but then leaves to play for another Premier League side in January, after being frozen out for too long.

It could be too little too late for Solskjaer to salvage a working relationship with the £100k-per week gem, as rumours grow more significant for high profile moves that guarantee the played dubbed "very clever" by Juan Mata, first-team football as both Newcastle and Everton become front runners for the players signature in January.

There is still no clarity of how long Paul Pogba could be out, with rumours that it could be months and that he could never play for Manchester United again as the star player is out of contract on a free transfer this summer, with Real Madrid looking likely to seal the deal with the French international.

Yet, in van de Beek, he has a perfect attacking replacement, and should he perform adequately, it might just buy the Norwegian tactician more time in order to save his job at the Theatre of Dreams.

In the meantime, Solskjaer will have some important decisions to make upon the return of the Premier League this week, as the next few results for the Norwegian could be the difference in leading Manchester United into the New Year or being shown the door at Old Trafford.

In other news: Lingard could be Pogba’s replacement long term