Give Pogba more time, says Jose
JOSE MOURINHO asked for patience with Paul Pogba after the most expensive player in the world fired a double to help Manchester United to victory in the Europa League last night. ‘We know he is a very good player and we know he needs some time to show his potential,’ said Mourinho. The £89million French powerhouse struck home a penalty and followed that with an exquisite, long-range effort (which he celebrated, left) as United demolished Fenerbahce 4-1 at Old Trafford to go level
on points with Feyenoord at the top of Group A. Former United academy product Pogba, 23, has failed to set the world on fire since his return from Juventus. But the midfielder was impressive as a side with seven changes from the one which drew 0-0 with Liverpool at Anfield on Monday night brushed aside the Turks. Mourinho urged caution, however, telling reporters: ‘In some of your mouths he goes from the worst in the Premier League to a great player in 48 hours.’ Mourinho believes the differences between Serie A and the Premier League have hindered Pogba, adding: ‘I know the way Italian teams play — it’s completely different from the Premier League. Different intensity, different space to play, the number of touches. He needs time to adapt.’ Wayne Rooney returned to the side as captain. He failed to score and appeared to allow Pogba and Anthony Martial to take the two penalties his team were awarded. That prompted surprise and criticism from former United forward Michael Owen. ‘He used to be nasty when he was younger, he used to want to score,’ Owen said. ‘I can’t believe he’s handed it over. ‘I’m not having that. He still should have taken the penalty.’