Pogba only United player on UEFA XI of the Year shortlist

In spite of only being deemed good enough for a substitute role in recent weeks by Jose Mourinho, Frenchman Paul Pogba is the sole Manchester United player to feature on the UEFA Team of the Year shortlist. 

Given  the midfielder’s exploits in Russia in the summer, where he helped lead his nation to World Cup glory, Pogba was bound to feature on the list. 

However perhaps more surprisingly is the host of his club teammates that did not feature. Goalkeeper David de Gea and strikers Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku were among the names to be omitted from the 50 man shortlist for the honour. 

As United only have one player on the list, they sit behind clubs such as Marseille, Roma and Tottenham Hotspur, who all have more players nominated. 

Italian side Napoli are the other club with only one nomination; central defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

Neighbours and current Premier League champions Manchester City, have three nominees; with defender John Stones accompanying play makers David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne on the list.

Unsurprisingly, European champions Real Madrid stand a strong chance of having players in the XI; they have nine nominees, which stretch across all four positions available.

While runners up in Kiev, Liverpool, have six nominees;  Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, James Milner, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

Barcelona also have a chance to dominate proceedings, as they have seven nominees; including Lionel Messi and Ivan Rakitic. 

Finally, Cristiano Ronaldo leads a four-strong Juventus delegation on the list; he is joined by Giorgio Chiellini, Paolo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic.

Fans will get the opportunity to vote online for who they believe deserves a spot in the UEFA.com Team of the Year. 

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