Paul Pogba’s PHENOMENAL game by numbers for Manchester United against Huddersfield Town at Old Trafford
By Ali Akbar
Paul Pogba arguably had his best game so far this season as Manchester United beat Huddersfield Town 3-1 on Boxing Day. But just how good was the French midfielder?
Take a bow, Paul Pogba.
The Frenchman has had a difficult time at Manchester United this season under Jose Mourinho, having been stripped of his vice-captaincy and then engaging in a training-ground spat with the Portugeuse.
PLAYER RATINGS. Scores as high as NINE after Manchester United’s mature 3-1 win over Huddersfield Town at Old Trafford. light
However, since Mourinho has been sacked and replaced by United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Pogba has returned to his best.
Last week, the midfielder grabbed two assists in an impressive 5-1 away win against Cardiff City. This game week, the Red Devils managed “only” a 3-1 home win over Huddersfield Town – but Pogba’s performance was arguably even better.
Indeed, instead of two assists, the 25-year-old managed two brilliant goals – one inside the box and one outside – which sealed the second victory in a row for new caretaker manager Solskjaer.
His conversion rate wasn’t bad either, having netted the two goals with five attempts in total. Maybe he can teach his teammate Romelu Lukaku a thing or two…
Although Pogba was more direct against Huddersfield than he was against Cardiff, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t also trying to create for those around him.
He made a whopping 90 passes all game with a completion rate of 86 per cent. Three of these were key passes which could have ended up as assists if his teammates were more clinical.
Amazingly, Pogba attempted five dribbles during the game – four of them being successful! There are many wingers out there who struggle to reach these numbers…
The defensive side to Pogba’s game was also on show at Old Trafford. Although he was dispossessed four times, he was able to recover the ball on 10 occasions for United, showing that he can pull his own weight and then some.
He also attempted two tackles and won both of them, putting to bed once and for all the argument that Pogba cannot or does not want to defend.
All in all, that was another phenomenal game by Paul Pogba. Let’s hope his resurgence continues under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer so that Manchester United can undo the damage done by his predecessor.
Next. Ollie Slack argues that appointing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as caretaker manager at Manchester United makes perfect sense!. dark