Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville has hit out at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's decision not to include Paul Pogba in the Red Devils' starting lineup.

United are stacked for options in midfield and Pogba has only been used as a substitute in United's last two matches, with Fred and Scott McTominay being preferred by Solskjaer against Everton.

The Red Devils recovered from their Champions League defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir as they ran out 3-1 winners on Merseyside, but Neville believes that it is "absolutely disgraceful" that Pogba was not included from the first whistle.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Neville said: "I still think it's absolutely disgraceful that Pogba can't get in that team.

"For United to win a league, for United to be successful, for United to play the style of football that Ole wants them to play then Pogba has to play.

"You can play one of them [Nemanja] Matic, Fred or [Scott] McTominay and then you play Pogba with [Bruno] Fernandes. I know I've said about him wanting to leave, not wanting to be there and his inconsistencies but I still think he's one of the best midfielders around.

"That's why I'm thinking 'Why is Paul Pogba not in that team?'"

Speculation surrounding Pogba's long-term future has started to intensify amid his lack of starts, with a recent report claiming that Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for the World Cup-winning Frenchman next year.