Pogba Preformance In Full Reviewed

Friday’s 2-0 win against Southampton saw Paul Pogba make his return to Old Trafford and a first appearance in a Manchester United shirt since re-joining the Reds. 

Suspended for the opening weekend trip to Bournemouth, speculation was widespread as to what the French midfielder’s role would be for United’s first home game of the season and fans were not left disappointed, as he was named in the starting XI.

From the get go, it was clear that Pogba was going to have an impact on the game, both defensively and in an attacking sense. In the early stages, the Frenchman looked to cut out Southampton’s passes and played a through ball towards Zlatan Ibrahimovic, although sadly the Swede was offside. Pogba could have easily had the dream start to his return, getting a shot away within the first 15 minutes, but Southampton keeper Fraser Forster collected it comfortably.

Throughout the first half, Pogba was the one to watch, winning back possession for United on numerous occasions and breaking up the Saints' play, using his superior strength to shield the ball from his opponents. When in possession, he was again unfazed, managing to keep hold of the ball and take it beyond those attempting to steal it from him.

Regarded by many as the complete player, Pogba exhibited many of his attributes throughout the match and put his passing on display by spraying several balls wide to Antonio Valencia. Continuing to regain United possession, he found himself slightly deeper at times during the second half but was still able to get from deep and distribute the ball, on one such occasion finding Anthony Martial who got a shot away, which Forster was equal to.

In the end, United saw out the game easily and despite having not played a match since the final of Euro 2016, Pogba looked comfortable playing the full 90 minutes, with manager Jose Mourinho remarking after the game: “He could play extra time. Phenomenal."

Indeed, he was unlucky not to score in stoppage time with a powerful drive that flew just wide of Forster's left-hand post.

All in all, it was an exciting return to the Theatre of Dreams for Pogba, providing a performance that will have demonstrated exactly why Jose Mourinho would have wanted him to re-join the club in the first place. Despite being one the stars of the show, Pogba has only just started to get going and many expect there to be plenty more to come for United’s latest signing.

Credit: Manutd.com