Manchester United’s Paul Pogba wins best player in Europa League award
After driving Manchester United to a win in the Europa League final, Paul Pogba is getting his well deserved credit, winning the first ever UEFA Europa League Player of the Season award for 2016-17.
The France internationals scored what proved to be the winner in the final against Ajax, as the club claimed it’s first ever Europa League trophy.
Defeating Ajax proved to be the most dramatic game of the season for the Red Devils as they finished sixth in the Premier League and had to win to qualify for the Champions League.
Pogba was accompanied by teammates Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the three man shortlist.
“Thank you,” Pogba said. “I’m really honoured to be the first to win the best player for the UEFA Europa League. Hopefully this season will be as good as last season — let’s see!”
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Pogba posted a picture of him holding his award on his Instagra, saying: “Very honoured for the [UEFA Europa League] Player of the Season 2016/2017. Gros merci to my teammates, our manager, our supporters and our club!”
Despite being heavily criticized during his first season back in England following his then world record transfer from Juventus, Pogba helped lead United to three trophies last seaon — and none more precious than the Europa League title.
Pogba also made the Europa League Squad of the Season. Goalkeeper Sergio Romero; defenders Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly, Daley Blind; midfielders Ander Herrera, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic all joined Pogba on the squad.
Pogba featured in all 15 Europa League games for United and his experience in Europe certainly helped the Red Devils progress in the competion.
This season United are back in the Champions League and are aiming to make an impact this time around, unlike in 2015 when they failed to advance past the group stages.
The Red Devils look like they mean business this year. Playing with a tenacity that’s vacated the club since Sir Alex Ferguson retired following the title winning 2013 season.
Premier League should be the focus this season; but the Champions League is the true test to see how the Red Devils stack up agains the best of Europe.
Next: Ibrahimovic: Is there still a place for the striker at United?
English sides have struggled in the Champions League as of late, with none mounting any true push for the title. However, with Pogba as United’s new driving force, they have the foundation to once again compete in Europe’s premier club competition.