Paul Pogba was a surprise starter in Manchester United‘s Premier League opener against Leicester City, having only just returned from his summer holiday after winning the World Cup.
More significantly, he was named captain by Jose Mourinho, a show of faith that put much of the recent speculation around the player to bed.
The Frenchman duly stepped up to score the opening goal in a 2-1 win, hitting a penalty and looking dominant in midfield.
Here’s a closer look at his performance.
KEY STATS
Goals – 1
Shots – 2
Shots on target – 2
Passing accuracy – 79%
Key passes – 0
Dribbles – 6
30-SECOND REPORT
It was a momentous night for Pogba, his first appearance at Old Trafford as a world champion, but, more importantly, his first United minutes since the turbulence of the summer following his World Cup triumph.
Handed the armband, the Frenchman rose to the occasion, opening the scoring with a penalty, looking full of running – despite only returning to training on Monday – and providing some timely defensive interventions as well.
His performance was crucial to United opening their season with a win.
GOT RIGHT
Passing – As always, some of Pogba’s passing was sublime. He produced a brilliant through ball for Alexis Sanchez in the second half, his usual array of raking long balls, and generally found his teammates well. In that aspect, he was at his best.
Defensive awareness – Pogba has taken flak – especially from Mourinho – for his lack of awareness defensively at times, but on Friday he was diligent and attentive, producing a couple of excellent clearing headers and tracking back well.
GOT WRONG
Pogba was guilty of overplaying at times, especially after scoring as the moment allowed him to grow in confidence. There were times where he was almost trying too hard, and getting baited into cheap fouls as he looked to win the ball back and arguing with the referee as a result of perceived overly physical Leicester challenges on him.
He was also dispossessed four times, the joint-highest mark of any player on the pitch. The risks he takes on the ball make that a part of his game, but he’ll be looking to improve.
VERDICT
Pogba’s last competitive game was the World Cup final. On Friday, he looked as if he’d never taken a break, slotting into United’s midfield with aplomb.
There was a swagger about him, a casual confidence, almost a sense of comfort, as if he looked entirely at home, with all the recent controversy around him having been put to bed.
This Pogba is what United need to see on a consistent basis, and his performance here was one full of promise.
RATING – 8/10
