Two good, two bad as Paul Pogba plays starring role in Man United's thrashing of Swansea

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  • Two in two for Paul Pogba at the start of this season.

    Manchester United signalled their Premier League title intent by clinching another comprehensive 4-0 victory at Swansea.

    Eric Bailly’s first United goal on the stroke of half-time set them on their way before Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial blitzed Swansea in the final 10 minutes.

    After last weekend’s 4-0 season-opener against West Ham this was another powerful message sent out by Jose Mourinho’s side.

    Here’s our two good and two bad performances from a thrilling encounter at Liberty Stadium.

    TWO GOOD

    PAUL POGBA

    A class act.

    The Frenchman scored a goal and provided two assists to steer the Red Devils to a second consecutive victory.

    Just before the break, he emerged unmarked to head the ball off the crossbar and Bailly was on hand to convert the rebound to put United ahead.

    The 24-year-old continued to dominate as the contest opened up, lofting the ball over a stranded Lukasz Fabianski to score United’s third on 82 minutes.

    He then paved the way to send Anthony Martial in to complete the scoring with six minutes remaining.

    Looked a composed presence on and off the ball, and will prove critical for Mourinho’s side as the season progresses.

    Paul Pogba was instrumental during United's win over Swansea.

    Pogba was instrumental during United’s win over Swansea.

    ERIC BAILLY

    Scored his first ever goal for Manchester United in his 67th top-flight appearance.

    The Ivorian pounced following Pogba’s header to give the Red Devils the advantage just before the break.

    Aside from his goal, the 23-year-old was a mainstay at the heart of the United defence, cutting down the influence of Swansea danger men Tammy Abraham and Jordan Ayew at every opportunity.

    Eric Bailly celebrates after scoring United's opening goal

    Bailly celebrates after scoring United’s opening goal.

    TWO BAD

    TAMMY ABRAHAM

    Failed to live up to his sparkling goal-getting reputation and endured a disappointing Saturday afternoon.

    Although he was well marshalled by the impeccable Bailly, he was unable to get space or on the ball in dangerous areas to engineer any sort of attacking threat throughout the contest.

    He was substituted after 83 minutes.

    It may have been a lacklustre performance by the 19-year-old, but no doubt he’ll bounce back and develop his talents as the season progresses.

    Swansea striker Tammy Abraham

    Abraham found it tough going against the Red Devils.

    ALFIE MAWSON

    The English defender was all over the place for United’s first goal when he should have been leading by example as the fulcrum of the Swansea defence.

    He left Pogba unmarked in the box from a corner just before half-time, which subsequently led to the away side’s opening goal.

    Although he did respond with some intelligent play in the second-half, the 23-year-old looked out of depth in his positioning and commitment for United’s third and fourth goals late on.

    Alfie Mawson attempts to tackle Marcus Rashford

    Mawson attempts to tackle United hitman Marcus Rashford.

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