“I think his impact will be something very natural, a progressive impact of contribution to improve the team, because that’s what he’s here for – to win trophies”.
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“I see him happy”, the United manager said.
“It was a great moment for me to touch the pitch, to come back here and I feel great. It’s a top club, we need to get used to winning and carry on like this”. “That is all we can do”. He was a lanky, raw 19-year-old then; he returns to United as a powerfully built star of world football.
Pogba, making his first United appearance since a 5-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers in March 2012, lined up alongside Marouane Fellaini at the base of midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation. I believe in a season he can not score 20 goals. He added, “He’s ready to play, 90 minutes?” He needs the freedom he had. They say “he left and they did this to him” blah, blah, blah but I’m very happy.
Mourinho had warned supporters not to expect Pogba to “dribble five players and score a wonder goal” with his first touch.
Mourinho himself has become the first United manager since 1937 and Walter Crickmer to win his opening three games, one of those the Community Shield.
Shane Long threatened twice, first ruffling the side-netting and then scuffing a shot straight at David de Gea after Mata’s under-hit pass had enabled Dusan Tadic to send the Irishman scampering clear.
He also proved an alert presence in defensive positions and drew roars of approval from the home fans midway through the second half by skilfully spinning away from two opponents in midfield.
All eyes were on Paul Pogba for his return to Old Trafford after four years with Juventus, but it was Ibrahimovic – United’s other major summer signing – who stole the show with a first-half header and a penalty after the break. That has been an issue for the Frenchman, who can sometimes go missing in important games, but as he still looks to generate a rhythm and click with the rest of his team-mates, that is likely to still be a frustration for the next while.
Pogba departed for Juventus because United were unwilling to match his wage demands, but Pogba says that is all now water under the bridge and he is delighted to back with the club.
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It is a shrewd tactic by the experienced tactician, which may help lift the pressure of Pogba’s €105m fee from his shoulders so he can settle well back in Manchester.
