Young Boys 0-3 Manchester United: 5 talking points

#4 Pogba’s performance reflects quality between sides

BSC Young Boys v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Group H

When a powerhouse side like Manchester United aren’t playing at top gear, they usually rely on one of their star players to make a difference and help them dig out a result. On Wednesday, it was skipper Paul Pogba who stepped up and delivered a moment of magic to provide his side a lead they barely deserved based on the run of play. The World Cup winner skipped past Camara and manufactured just half a yard of space to unleash a lethal shot into the top left corner to take the sting out of what was an energetic performance from the hosts until that point.

The goal drastically improved Pogba’s personal display as he himself began to locate teammates with lofted, cross-field passes which he is so often associated with, but accused of not executing at the consistency with which he is capable of. This has been a topic of debate ever since he re-joined United from Juventus for a club-record fee, a talking point that has led to repeated arguments between Jose Mourinho and the media and culminating with reports speculating unrest between the duo.

With a first class performance post the goal, Pogba proved to his doubters, at least temporarily, that he still has the desire to help United achieve the success that is expected of them. He added a penalty and an impressive assist for Martial to rubberstamp his influence on the outcome of the game not necessarily dominated by United from start to finish.