Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to action on Saturday as Manchester United defeated Newcastle 4-1 in the Premier League.
Pogba, who had been sidelined for two months by a hamstring injury, started the game and Ibrahimovic came off the bench in the 77th minute, making his first appearance since suffering knee ligament damage in April.
The intervening period had seen the striker’s initial contract with United expire and him then re-sign for the club in August.
Here, we assess how the pair fared.
POGBA
Among an array of classy work from Pogba in the first half, the best he produced came when he created the equaliser in the 37th minute, the France midfielder toying with Isaac Hayden on the right and then delivering a delightful cross for Anthony Martial to head home.
Having displayed some more excellent passing early in the second half, Pogba got on the scoresheet to make it 3-1, finishing from close range as he met Marcus Rashford’s tee-up.
A fine comeback performance then came to an end with his substitution in the 70th minute, and the hearty reception he received was certainly deserved.
Paul Pogba (R) scores
IBRAHIMOVIC
There was also considerable noise from the crowd when Ibrahimovic was brought on soon after, and initially, his every touch prompted a cheer from the stands. He made some tidy passes and tried his luck on goal in the closing moments, with his strike being saved by Rob Elliot.
Ibrahimovic was asked after the match if he ever doubted he would return, and told BT Sport 1: “No, because lions they don’t recover like humans.”
The Swede added: “It’s special. Different day, same quality. I am not worried. I am not worried at all because I know what I do. I train hard. I sacrificed a lot.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic attempts a bicycle kick
Provided by Press Association Sport
