The Solskjaer effect continues as Pogba punishes the Cherries

MANCHESTER UNITED 4 BOURNEMOUTH 1

Paul Pogba’s man-of-the-match display helped bring Manchester United’s turbulent year to a positive end as caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer oversaw another morale-boosting performance.

The exciting post-Jose Mourinho era continues apace at Old Trafford.

Pogba has enjoyed the starkest change in fortunes. A fortnight on from being an unused substitute in Mourinho’s final match, the midfielder scored twice and set up another as United beat Eddie Howe’s Cherries 4-1 in the final Premier League match of 2018.

United appear liberated by Solskjaer. Sir Matt Busby and Mourinho are the only others to have won their first three league games as manager of the club.

Solskjaer has certainly brought the feelgood factor back to Old Trafford, where the majority were on their feet within minutes as Marcus Rashford’s dazzling build-up play allowed Pogba to direct home.

He then powered home a header to complete his second-successive brace, before Rashford turned home in the dying embers of a first half that ended with Nathan Ake clawing one back.

United saw centre-back Eric Bailly sent off for a poor challenge late in proceedings.

Yet the overriding emotion at United is positivity. Substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring after being found by Pogba.

Picture: Getty. Paul Pogba outjumps Asmir Begovic to head home his and United’s second goal.