UEFA Super Cup 2017: Real Madrid 2-1 Manchester United, 5 Talking Points

Real Madrid v Manchester United: UEFA Super Cup
Real Madrid win the UEFA Super Cup yet again

#5 Madrid's stars eclipse those of United

UEFA Super Cup - Previews
Cristiano Ronaldo had little to do when he came on, but ensured a win

Paul Pogba seems like a player who is extremely aware of his price tag. The €105 million millstone around his neck forces him to be too ambitious, and the Frenchman paid the price tonight. Real Madrid won back possession from him countless times, while Pogba constantly picked the wrong option when going forward. Perhaps watching the tapes of his opposite number - Toni Kroos and Luka Modric will do him a world of good.

In contrast to United, Real Madrid's stars look comfortable in their skin (a reflection of their manager). Gareth Bale was surrounded by transfer rumours before the match, but did not have the look of a player who's had his head turned - the Welshman was bright, if a little unfamiliar with the diamond formation.

The Cristiano Ronaldo of years gone by would have been desperate for a goal when he came on, but not this mature avatar. The Portuguese star recognized that his team needed to kill the game off, and thus proceeded to earn fouls and keep possession - the performance of a team player, who's been moulded that way by his manager. Maybe Mourinho ought to take a leaf out of Zidane's book in how to manage your best players.

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Edited by Sunaadh Sagar