WHAT WE LEARNED
FELLAINI PERFORMS AT THE RIGHT TIME
Amid spurious speculation linking him with a move to Galatasaray, Marouane Fellaini performed like a man who had no intention of swapping the River Irwell for the Bosphorus.
Fellaini’s performance was purposeful before the fortuitous opener towards the end of the first-half as he pressed productively - a skill of his Louis van Gaal valued greatly. The Belgian was aggressive without overstepping the mark as he initiated attacks and gave United’s forwards more freedom as their hosts tried to stifle them.
Paul Pogba is due to be freed up by Nemanja Matic’s imminent arrival and Fellaini could be, too. He has played his best football for United as an advanced midfielder and, after spending much of last season in a more defensive role, he might be pushed forward now Mourinho has Matic and Michael Carrick to choose from in the holding roles.
POGBA LIVING UP TO MOURINHO’S BILLING
Had Pogba not ended last season so commandingly then it would be easy to dismiss his pre-season form. Few team-mates have reached his level over the last few weeks and it is an injustice he has gone the whole month without scoring for United after the amount of attacking he has done.
Pogba hit his recurring nemesis – the woodwork – again in Oslo and
United supporters must hope he is not acquainted with it once the competitive campaign begins. That he was the only outfielder who stayed on for the second 45 at Valerenga was an indication of how much momentum Pogba has built this month.
The upright could not blemish another crowdpleasing performance and Pogba, who has worn the captain’s armband frequently on tour, strapped it to his bicep again after the pause. These fixtures have allowed him to hone his leadership skills as he mentors United’s youngsters and it feels inevitable he will succeed Michael Carrick once he retires. Mourinho wanted a ‘captain’ midfielder in Pogba and he has got one. CORNER PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED?
The Diana tapes were not the most shocking news this week, for United scored directly from a corner in Oslo. Andreas Pereira’s inswinger was met powerfully by Romelu Lukaku and United need to hone their aerial expertise with so many beanpole players in their squad to threaten in the 18-yard box. What was striking about Pereira’s confidence was he took the corners with his right foot and left foot. Pereira has enjoyed an encouraging tour and his importance at United will grow if his Lukaku assist does not turn out to be a one-off.