Manchester United went over Leicester and Man City to return to the top of the Premier League table after another away win at Fulham.
Edinson Cavani pulled United level after Ademola Lookman’s early opener before Paul Pogba stepped up.
The Frenchman curled in a brilliant winner off his left foot, following on from his equally crisp volley from the edge of the box against Burnley last week. The Red Devils have now gone a club-record 17 games unbeaten away from home this season after coming from behind seven times.
Pogba has been instrumental in recent weeks and is playing at the top of his game, after struggling with inconsistency since his big-money return from Juventus in 2016.
On the 27-year-old’s latest match-winning display, Former United man, Rio Ferdinand waxed lyrical about his form:
‘’He has not been as consistent as he would have liked [since signing in 2016], but right now he is one of the more important players,’’ Ferdinand added.
‘’Top players use negative press as fuel. But the passion cannot be used if you are not playing, he is now.’’
Pogba’s qualities are coming to the fore for United after a tempestuous first half of the season during which he struggled for form and contracted Covid-19. He has been silencing critics after unsettling transfer speculation last month, he has got his head down and is contributing to the United cause.
‘’I think today he [Pogba] was brilliant, he did both sides well, defended well but created chances, the big difference is that he is playing quick, not dilly dallying on the ball, the efficiency he is playing well is amazing,’’ Ferdinand told BT Sport.
‘’I don’t think Ole completely trusts him in the centre of midfield with the pace that some sides counter with, so he plays him out of those areas, but in this game they felt they would dominate and so he can allow him to do it. One of the best when he is in this form”.
The former United captain also declared Pogba is gelling into a midfield understanding with talisman Bruno Fernandes.
‘’He loves the game, [he] wants to showcase his talent. I saw Pogba grow up, I saw his talent first-hand, I think he is capable of playing in the midfield [alongside Fernandes], if he has the players around him he can do it.’’
The World Cup winner was understandably proud of the quality of his winning goal and its significance
‘’I hit the ball well,’’ Pogba said. ‘’I didn’t expect it with the left foot like this but if you don’t try, then you don’t score.
‘’It was a beautiful goal and beautiful win.’’
With Pogba proving a talismanic figure in his own right to ease off the pressure on Bruno Fernandes, United can back themselves in the title race despite City’s form and outstanding fixture.
