£90 million Paul Pogba has had a varied start on his return to Manchester United.
After another outstanding season at Italian giants Juventus, and a key role in the French national team’s journey to the final of the European Championships, Paul Pogba entered the summer as the hottest name in world football.
It was reported extensively that the world’s richest clubs, such as Real Madrid and PSG, were in the hunt for the French midfielder, but in the end he came home to Manchester United.
Juventus’ Patrice Evra, Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez
Manchester United fans had to wait to see their new superstar, after manager Jose Mourinho granted the player a longer rehabilitation period at the start of the season due to the European Championship campaign. Finally, in their first home game of the season, Pogba made his debut for the club.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba in action with Southampton’s Jordy Clasie
A strong United performance typified the kind of performance many expected to see under Mourinho, with the team playing not particularly pretty football, but winning all the same. Though Pogba failed to make any headlines, the midfielder showed what a serious engine he has, putting in an impressive defensive display. A similar story followed when Manchester United travelled to Hull, and once more, Pogba was forced to cover his defenders, and struggled to get forward.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba in action with Hull City’s Tom Huddlestone
September followed, and Pogba’s resilience in this United side met it’s first real test. The Manchester Derby ended in embarrassment for Pogba, as he and many other Manchester United superstars were put to the sword by Guardiola’s slick and stylish Manchester City side.
Manchester City’s Claudio Bravo in action with Manchester United’s Paul Pogba
And then, further humiliation. Manchester United’s return to European football ended in disaster, losing away to Dutch-side, Feyenoord. Defeat to Walter Mazzari’s impressive Watford quickly switched the United faithful from embarrassed to angry, as the Red Devils fell to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Hornets.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba clashes with Watford’s Troy Deeney
Things needed to quickly change. Manchester United’s expensive squad were showing signs of under-performing once again, and a chance to welcome the reigning champions, Leicester City, gave Mourinho’s side a chance to redeem themselves. What followed was one of the best United displays under the Portuguese manager to date. United romped to a 4-1 victory, and Pogba, who scored his first goal for the club, stood out as the star man.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba scores their fourth goal
Things were finally starting to click for the Frenchman in Manchester, and a string of impressive displays followed, the highlight being his Man-of-the-Match display against Turkish side, Fenerbahce – were Pogba scored twice.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba scores their first goal from the penalty spot
Stability looked like it had returned to Manchester United, but what followed was the Red Devils’ most humiliating defeat yet. Mourinho’s side came up against his former side, Chelsea, and were turned inside out by an organised and destructive Conte side. Embarrassment had again followed performances of such promise.
Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba
Since Chelsea, that pattern unfortunately persists. Manchester United still struggle to string a run of wins together, and Pogba performances have in many ways mirrored this form. An outstanding performance one week is often followed by a week where the Frenchman goes missing.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba celebrates scoring their first goal with team mates
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
