Paul Pogba made the difference for Manchester United in a vital win away at Burnley.
The Frenchman scored the winner as United beat Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor, with an excellent volley to break the deadlock.
It was a hard fought victory and Pogba’s contribution was far more than simply scoring a winner.
From a numbers-perspective, Pogba was dominant in every area.
Pogba was outstanding
Pogba touched the ball more times than any player on the pitch – 104 times.
He also made more clearances than any United player 5 in total, winning 5 aerial duels.
Pogba created two chances, the joint highest on the pitch along with Edinson Cavani. Bruno Fernandes was on one.
He was one of four United players who got a shot on target on the night.
From a defensive standpoint Pogba made two tackles and made two interceptions, the highest contribution of any midfielder.
A strong case to start at Anfield
Pogba has not always started United’s biggest games this season. Often Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has gone for the combination of Scott McTominay and Fred.
Both players were left on the bench for this game, a sign they could be being saved for Sunday’s match at Anfield.
So Pogba’s performance may shake up Solskjaer’s plans and give him a tough decision to make at Anfield.
Solskjaer told the club website: “I’ve always said Paul is a big, big player for us. He’s a good character in the dressing room, he’s always one that the lads look to, he’s a world champion of course and we’re seeing the best of Paul at the moment.
“I feel he is getting better and better for every game. He’s been injured and he’s had COVID and it’s just natural that he needed some time to get fit.”
Pogba played like he really wanted the win, and was proactive in attacking, getting forward frequently despite starting in a midfield three as opposed to a four.
The Frenchman rightly was awarded Sky’s man of the match award and hopefully he starts at the weekend and puts in another similarly dominant performance.
- Hannibal Mejbri shows a touch of class in under-23s defeat
- United fans hope Diallo could feature this week after u23 absence
- Three players Manchester United were lucky to avoid in the summer
- United fans react to Anthony Elanga’s impressive under-23 performance
- Manchester United must fix right wing problem, says Gary Neville
- Rashford and Fernandes need United teammates to step up
- United must give Donny van de Beek a chance to shine against Liverpool next week
- Solskjaer is impressed with Diallo early impressions amid need for width
- Five Rashford offsides show Manchester United can become more ‘composed’
- Despite likely exit Jesse Lingard’s training performance is still strong