Manchester United may have won in Paris without their most famous Parisian, but capital occasions seem to bring the best out of their most expensive player.
They have a 100 per cent record in London in 2019. Paul Pogba has three goals and three assists in what seems like United's second home.
Their most famous player returns after suspension and a famous result, ready to take his place in the makeshift midfield of rookies and a supposed misfit, in Fred.
Yet the same may have been said of Pogba three months ago. Confined to a bit-part role at the end of Jose Mourinho's reign, he is now an indictment of the sacked Portuguese.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he has looked a World Cup winner and an £89 million (S$156 million) player. He has been ubiquitous, shedding his status as an enigma to deliver consistency and productivity.
Even while missing a penalty and picking up a red card, he has scored nine times and registered seven assists. Pogba has provided 16 goals in 15 games.
More, really. When United won at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup in January, Anthony Martial completed the scoring when Petr Cech had parried Pogba's shot.
The Frenchman had intercepted in his own half and powered forward: it showcased the verticality and directness that suits Pogba, but also the counter-attacking game plan United's last two managers have used in 3-1 wins at Arsenal.
They have had wildly different endings for Pogba. The 25-year-old also set up United's third goal, scored by Jesse Lingard, during an influential display in 2017 but was then sent off for a studs-up challenge on Hector Bellerin.
He has hugged the spotlight in home games against the Gunners, too: last season, he opened the scoring in Arsene Wenger's final encounter with United.
In November, a 15-minute cameo in a 2-2 draw proved his final league appearance under Mourinho; he was sent on for Marouane Fellaini and left unused in the Portuguese's final two domestic fixtures.
"I was in the shadows," Pogba said in January. His relationship with Mourinho broke down.
In contrast, Solskjaer has embraced his exuberance and encouraged a larger-than-life character.
In August, when few thought he could become United manager, Solskjaer had said he would build a team around Pogba. Given the opportunity, he has been true to his word.
He has given him defensive cover, finding his best role either in a trio or on the left of a diamond, but allowed him to surge forward.
He has been allowed to try the audacious. He is having more shots - 48 during Solskjaer's reign - but has actually showed positional discipline and greater productivity while looking liberated.
The unlikely lads showed in Paris that Pogba certainly isn't a one-man midfield, but a talisman still feels much more than just one man.
ARSENAL V MAN UNITED
Singtel TV Ch102 & StarHub Ch227,
Monday, 12.30am
UK rescuers launch bid to recover body from Sala's plane. Mearns said his discovery of two seat cushions on the French coast last week revealed that the plane had broken up.
UK rescuers launch bid to recover body from Sala's plane
So today we wanted to do a video on the seven best goalkeepers in world football right now, and depending on how many people watch it and what kind of response we get in the comments and on
Brian Jensen gives his take on Burnley's goalkeepers
Norwich is returning to the Premier League after a three-year absence _ and Sheffield United is likely to be promoted, too. Norwich, a club from eastern England, clinched one of the two automatic promotion places from the second-tier League Championship by beating Blackburn 2-1 on Saturday.(Chris Radburn/PA via AP)
Harry Kane has revealed his plans to swap football for American football, and end his sporting career as a kicker in the NFL. The England captain has made no secret of his passion for the US sport
Carlos Queiroz reportedly stepped down as Iran manager after his team exited the AFC Asian Cup 2019 at the hands of Japan in the semifinals. Bassil Mikdadi, President of Jazzar agency and Founder
Why Trust Is Critical to Team Success Trust is "hot." Today, more than ever, it's increasingly recognized as an essential asset to break down silos, foster collaboration, deepen teamwork, drive engagement, and manage the never-ending process of change. When trust is present, people step forward and do their best work, together, efficiently.
The Decision to Trust - Harvard Business Review
Anas Bani Yaseen's first-half header helped Jordan to a 1-0 upset over Australia in the opening match of Group B at the Asian Cup. Australia's bid to defend their Asian Cup crown began in
AFC Asian Cup 2019: Jordan inflict shock 1-0 defeat on Australia
Jimenez, Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis
Hojbjerg strike gives Southampton 1-0 win at Brighton. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scored the goal as Southampton withstood a second-half onslaught from Brighton & Hove Albion to secure a vital 1-0
Football: Hojbjerg strike gives Southampton 1-0 win at Brighton
Football: Solskjaer makes dream start as Man United thrash Cardiff Solskjaer praises buccaneering Man United players after stylish win to put the seal on an emphatic win. The result and
Solskjaer reacts to 17-year-old's display in Man United's 2-0
The game is not over yet and Brighton have been plucky in the final third. Given the result at Anfield and City's one-goal lead, it only takes one goal from Brighton to turn their title race back
City in seventh heaven with Rotherham mauling, Football News
0 comments:
Post a Comment