Not many Manchester United players can hold their heads high after the draw at Burnley.
Paul Pogba was one of the exceptions. The Frenchman scored United’s goal in the first half, converting a cross from Luke Shaw.
The strike was more difficult than he made it look. Shaw’s low cross came across at pace, and Pogba calmly side-footed the ball high into the next from around 10 yards out.
If only his United teammates showed the same clinical quality, the team would have won comfortably.
United were held to a 1-1 draw after Burnley fought back in the second half, scoring through James Rodriguez.
Pogba sent a message out to supporters after the game, expressing satisfaction at getting on the scoresheet despite the loss.
Pogba had a mixed night, completing an unusually ineffective 72 per cent of his passes and failing to create a single chance.
He did work hard, frequently tracking and chasing back, and won seven aerial battles, more than any player on the pitch.
This was Pogba’s first Premier League start since October and one further positive was that he completed all 90 minutes.
He is likely to have earned another start for United’s clash with Southampton at the weekend. With Fred potentially still missing with Covid, United will need him.
United have slipped back to fifth place after this draw, and absolutely have to get all three points against Southampton.
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