Pogba produced a vibrant display in his first United start in the Friday night win over Southampton, ensuring they remain top of the Premier League table.
Advertisement
Ibrahimovic’s double against Southampton took his tally to four goals in three competitive games for United, following his victor in the Community Shield clash against Leicester City and his strike in last week’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth. As pleasing to Mourinho was the way Pogba slotted into the side in his first appearance since a world-record United States dollars 116 million transfer, displaying his range of tricks, vision, athleticism and box-to-box energy.
“I’m hurting by some decisions to leave some players out. The more mature you become – I have two kids now – you take on more responsibility”.
Mourinho’s last 12 months have been topsy-turvy, going into the last season as Ethe PL champions with Chelsea before getting sacked in December, but the Portuguese said he was upbeat about his new job. So we’re happy for the three points and for the first game for Paul [Pogba]. He was a lanky, raw 19-year-old then; he returns to United as a powerfully built star of world football.
This after Pogba gave away possession with his first touch of the game, a situation that lead to a goal-scoring opportunity for the Saints. Left back Shaw, a constant threat against his former club, was felled seven minutes into the second half and Ibrahimovic sent keeper Fraser Forster the wrong way from the spot.
Pogba then had another chance late on as United countered in stoppage time, but he could only fire wide from Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s pass after being teed up on the edge of the area.
Vendors outside the stadium were selling Pogba scarves, while several fans sported United shirts with “POGBA 6” on the back.
When asked how he felt after playing the full game, Pogba replied “I feel very good” which is incredible after having trained so little before the game.
United boss Jose Mourinho was pleased with the result as his side claimed their second win from their opening two games and managed to keep a clean sheet in the process.
The expensive midfielder already looking settled; the star striker scoring easily; Wayne Rooney seemingly revitalised.
Ibrahimovic’s first goal owed as much to Rooney’s excellent cross as the Swedish striker’s bullet header.
Advertisement
Intriguingly, Ibrahimovic appears to have bumped captain Wayne Rooney from penalty duties.
