drifted just wide, symptomatic of his current form.
His accuracy has deserted him, his timing – in terms of connecting with crosses – is just a touch awry.
That his dip has coincided with the early days of a new deal is merely a coincidence.
What he needed was a gift and Pogba delivered it with a sluggish reaction to the run of Hector Bellerin and the consequently mis-timed challenge.
Dean had no hesitation i n p ointing to th e sp ot i n hi s inimitable fashion. Dean never has any hesitation in pointing to the spot in his inimitable fashion.
Incidentally, if you want a statistic that shows the inf lu ence of crowds, how about this one?
United have had five penalties given against them at Old Trafford in their last seven Premier League home games. They had five given against them in the previous 101.
A u b a m e y a n g ’s emphatic conversion of this one did not suggest a man who will struggle for confidence. Unlike some of these United players.
The contrast between the two sets of full-backs, for example, was telling. Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-bissaka only seemed to venture forward under sufferance while Bellerin and Kieran Tierney needed no invitation.
S c ott Mctominay put hi s customary foot in but showed precious little creativity while Fred never got to terms with his role in a midfield diamond.
Bruno Fernandes produced only amateur dramatics.
Without a Premier League home win this season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer obviously has issues to deal with.
Getting the best out of Pogba is one of them.
Perhaps he should show him a video of Partey’s contribution.
Arteta has found his leader.
Pogba was bossed by Partey, and conceded the penalty that Aubameyang scored (top)
THE skies above Old Trafford barely stopped weeping, the heavy silence spoke of grief and worry.
Grief for the passing of Nobby Stiles, worry for the health of Sir Bobby Charlton (above).
In normal, happier, brighter times, Sir Bobby would have been in his usual seat, the statesman of this great club, dignity personified, its most wonderful son.
That he is now afflicted by dementia should, it goes without saying, be yet another reminder of why the game’s authorities – and that includes the PFA – should redouble their efforts not only to support those suffering from this cruel illness but also to establish the extent of the link with football.
For too long it has been an issue they have refused to tackle with any urgency, with any gravity, with any conviction.
You can rest assured Manchester United will be doing everything they can to help.
Because these trying moments are reminders of what a football club is all about. Community, family. And Nobby and Sir Bobby are the family.
A club is not about the Wall Street share price, the commercial deals, the signing videos, the replica kits, the TV contracts.
It is about Stiles and Charlton and the glory they brought.
For all the adept handling of those modern necessities, United is full of people who know just that.
That is why they will honour the treasured memory of Stiles in a fitting way (below), be assured of that.
It is why Sir Bobby and his nearest and dearest will be supported in every way possible.
Again, it does not need to be said their statement was anything other than heartfelt.
And one way of supporting Sir Bobby and honouring Nobby is where they would want it done – on the pitch.
Amidst the sadness that permeated the Theatre of Dreams yesterday, it was worth remembering the smiles Charlton and Stiles put on faces... and making sure this United team does the same.