Paul Pogba helped Manchester United turn around a half-time deficit at the weekend to come back and win 3-1.
The Frenchman was outstanding in the victory, providing a late assist for Mason Greenwood to net the third goal.
This performance, along with his winner against AC Milan, has served as a reminder of the difference Pogba brings to United.
Back in January, the Frenchman went on a strong run of form which saw him make the difference in tight matches.
Pogba won the deciding penalty against Aston Villa, and scored winning goals against Burnley and Fulham. These were key wins which helped United reach the top of the table.
He was part of the United team which were leading against Everton in early February, before going off with an injury on 39 minutes.
Crucial points dropped
Without Pogba in midfield, United let a two goal advantage slip to Everton twice, dropping two crucial points.
United then drew three games, away at West Brom, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea. These were the types of games Pogba was making the difference in.
United dropped a total of eight points in the draws with Everton, West Brom, Palace and Chelsea.
This is the gap with City at the top, if United win our current game in hand.
So close
City’s loss to Leeds at the weekend provides a slither of hope for United, but really, it is highly unlikely we overturn the gap.
What this season has shown, is that United were pretty close to getting into the title hunt.
If Paul Pogba had stayed fit during the crucial month of February, United could be level on points with City, or within reach of three points or so.
This in turn would have put more pressure on City, and also ourselves, admittedly. But it would have been a lot closer.
We don’t want to moan about injuries, United should have coped better in Pogba’s absence. Yet at the same time, this shows how close United were.
Pogba has answered the criticism which surrounded his early season form and United are getting more out of him in a forward role, rather than playing him deep.
There are still questions over his future with his contract set to expire in 2022. The last few months results with and without Pogba have shown how important it is to try and convince him to sign an extension.
When Pogba looks at how close United were, he may consider that staying put could be a sensible option if he wants to win a league title. Based on this season, United are not too far off.
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