Pogba pounces for Man United
Paul Pogba cast aside criticism of his recent performances by delivering a reminder of his talent yesterday, scoring twice in Manchester United’s 4- 1 win over Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
The France midfielder has struggled to justify his world- record price tag of $ 116 million since returning to Old Trafford from Juventus in August, with Jose Mourinho unable to find the best position for Pogba in United’s midfield.
More displays like this and the critics will disappear.
Pogba marked a dominant allround performance by converting a penalty to put United ahead before producing the highlight of the game, a 25m curler into the top corner in firsthalf injury time to make it 3- 0.
“Two days ago, he was the worst player of the Premier League and 48 hours later he i s phenomenal,” Mourinho said sarcastically. “He needs time. To be in Italy for four or five years and come back to the Premier League, I wasn’t expecting him to click his fingers and get back his intensity.”
Anthony Martial also scored from the spot, three minutes after Pogba’s penalty, and Jesse Lingard made it four goals in an 18- minute span with a low drive from outside the area in the 48th. It was a timely result for United, who were accused of being negative and too defensive in a 0- 0 draw at Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday. This matched their biggest win of the season.
There was room for sentiment at Old Trafford, with the home fans applauding the consolation goal scored by former United striker Robin van Persie in the 83rd. The Dutch striker was at United from 2012- 15, helping the team win their 20th and most recent title in 2013, so no wonder his name was sung throughout the stadium after his close- range strike.
Wayne Rooney failed to get in on the scoring act in his first start in five games after being dropped as he struggles for form, but he performed well and linked play with midfield runners. He gave up penalty- taking duties, an unselfish act perhaps to give Pogba the chance of a goal to boost his confidence.
Fenerbahce may partly blame the performance on its chaotic buildup to the match. The aeroplane carrying the Turkish team to England on Wednesday had to make an emergency landing in Hungary after a bird strike cracked the windshield.
The journey lasted around 12 hours, causing Fenerbahce to miss training at Old Trafford.