Paul Pogba started Manchester United’s win over Brighton on the bench. It shouldn’t really have been a surprise, with this packed fixture schedule coming after he returned from injury at the start of this month.
The Frenchman was always going to get a rest at some point, and so it transpired for 72 minutes against Brighton.
Pogba was then brought on to try and help United build on the 1-0 lead and grab a second, which ultimately worked out with Bruno Fernandes scoring a second in injury time.
Former United striker Dion Dublin was impressed with Pogba’s contribution, and feels he helped turn the game back in the team’s favour with Brighton gaining confidence and pushing for an equaliser.
Dublin told MUTV: “Paul Pogba changed the game when he came on. His little bit of quality, picking the right passes.
“He puts Brighton on the back foot.”
Pogba managed 30 touches in his 20 minutes on the pitch, more than half the 54 touches Fred made in his 72 minutes before he was substituted.
United’s number six helped United get the move started quickly for Bruno Fernandes’ late goal, providing his first assist since returning to the team.
The assist was Pogba’s eighth of the season, four behind Bruno Fernandes but four ahead of Fred, who is nearest to him.
Pogba will hope to start against Leeds at the weekend, and they will be fearful of him after he helped destroy them on the opening day of the season with four assists.
The midfielder has played well since returning from his injury, with a goal and assist in his four appearances in 2022.
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