The return of Paul Pogba to Manchester United's starting XI this evening flavoured the pre-match discussion ahead of the arrival of Newcastle United.
While some were querying where the relationship between Jose Mourinho and Newcastle United's Rafa Benitez ten years after they last faced each other on the sideline, it didn't take Paul Pogba long to reclaim the bulk of public interest for himself.
So excited about Pogba that I barely registered that Rashford and Martial are starting! 😱
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) November 18, 2017
United started slowly however. Having not conceded at Old Trafford all season before this evening, United found themselves 1-0 down within 15 minutes - Dwight Gayle making the most of Victor Lindelof slipping.
However, as the half progressed the Frenchman began to exert his influence. A perfectly delivered cross enabled Anthony Martial to equalise and the love for Pogba was quickly forthcoming.
Oh Paul Pogba, that was a little bit good. Martial nods home for 1-1!
— COPA90 (@Copa90) November 18, 2017
Absolutely brilliant by Pogba. How many central midfielders are capable of that? Stunning cross - finish by Martial
— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) November 18, 2017
The Paul Pogba Team. Magnificent from him. He's been United's best player. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 18, 2017
Pogba. Brilliant.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) November 18, 2017
Good game this. Great #mufc response. Relentless attacking. Pogba trickery for Martial equaliser. Young wonderful ball for Smalling
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 18, 2017
Taking the lead before half-time through a Chris Smalling header, United's third, predictably enough, came from Pogba.
Although Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford deserve the bulk of the credit, Pogba's return had coincided with a United performance that showed plenty of promise.
Paul Pogba. Magnificent. Great play from Lukaku and Rashford to put it on a plate for Pogba. This could be a big win for United. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 18, 2017
Isn't it just great to have Paul Pogba back for Manchester United?
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) November 18, 2017
Pogba is ........BACK. 3-1!!!!
A Zlatan - goal coming your way tonight as well....— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🏳️🌈 🇳🇴 💛💙 (@JanAageFjortoft) November 18, 2017
With the game all but sewn up at this point, Pogba was replaced after 70 minutes.
Absolutely no coincidence Pogba returns and United start playing captivating football again. Elevates teammates to a different level. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 18, 2017
As his teammates saw out a comfortable victory, United will now look toward a Wednesday night clash with Basel where they can potentially seal their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
