Manchester United 0-1 Juventus: 5 positives for the Red Devils

#1 Paul Pogba

Manchester United v Juventus - UEFA Champions League Group H

The Frenchman is slowly becoming the heartbeat of Manchester United. Paul Pogba ran the show in the second half. Every time he had the ball, you could feel the anticipation building in the stadium and Pogba did not disappoint. His long passes were exquisitely perfect and his awareness of his team mates was fantastic.

Pogba was all around the pitch in the second half, but it was when he received the ball around the penalty area that he looked the most dangerous.

Because he partnered Matic in a double pivot, Pogba had defensive responsibilities, but with each passing game, the Frenchman is looking increasingly comfortable mixing both the defensive and offensive side of his game. This meant that his nifty foot work allowed him to take the pressure off the United defence as well as surge forward on the counter.

Time and again, Juventus had no answer for his brilliant turn on the ball and smooth close control. He spread the ball, joined the attack and had a header saved. But the highlight of the game was when he brushed aside a challenge outside the box and unleashed a calculated shot off his weaker left foot. The ball hit the upright and bounced off Szczesny’s head out for a corner. Luck eluded Paul Pogba and Manchester United on the night, but the Frenchman gave United fans and football lovers world wide enough reasons to be excited.