Breathless to breathtaking
Pogba’s finally recovered from effects of Covid and ready to drive Reds into EPL title race
PAUL POGBA has revealed Covid-19 destroyed his fitness and left him gasping for breath.
The Manchester United midfielder tested positive for coronavirus in August, forcing him into quarantine.
His form clearly suffered in the early part of the season, with the low point United’s 6-1 home defeat by Tottenham in which he conceded a penalty.
The 27-year-old had started just one Premier League match since that game, but he was thrust back into the line- up here and responded with a stunning goal and a fine all-round display.
Asked how Covid- 19 had affected him, Pogba said: “It’s strange, it’s hard to explain because you wouldn’t understand.
“Even in training, I would say to the fitness coach that I feel strange. It’s not me. I get tired very fast and I’m out of breath really fast.
“The first game of the season, I couldn’t run. I was trying. I spoke with the manager, ‘I will start the game and let’s see’, but I was very out of breath and it took me a long time to get back to my fitness and to get back physically good.
“It’s good to get back in the team, and to score this goal to help the team get back in the game, it’s very important. I’m happy for that.
“It’s such a difference. I’m finding my rhythm as well. I feel so much better.”
West Ham led at the London Stadium through Tomas Soucek but Pogba hauled United level with a spectacular 25-yard shot.
Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford were also on target as United made it five wins out of five on the road this season.
Jarrod Bowen, Pablo Fornals and Sebastien Haller all missed chances to add to West Ham’s lead, and Aaron Cresswell admitted his side’s wasteful finishing cost them dearly.
He said: “I think if we had been 3-0 up at halftime, it would have been no surprise.
“In the first half, we could have scored a lot of goals. We created a lot of chances but their subs changed it.”
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