What Happened Between Paul Pogba And Luke Shaw vs Aston Villa

Manchester United scripted a great start to their year as they secured a 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford. The three points ensures that they are level atop the table alongside Liverpool with goal-difference keeping them at second place.

Anthony Martial netted the opener for the Red Devils which was cancelled out by Bertrand Traore in the second-half. Fortunately for the home side, Paul Pogba was brought down inside the box, following which Bruno Fernandes did what he does best and netted the winner from the penalty spot.

As is often the case, a lot of eyebrows were raised at Pogba being awarded the penalty as it seemed to be the case that the Frenchman made the most out of the challenge inside the box.

However, eagle-eyed viewers did spot another incident from the game involving Pogba and there perhaps less of a doubt existed.

A clip from the game shows Luke Shaw inside the penalty box. Following a lap-up from the goalkeeper, a focus on Pogba shows that he was making a gesture at Shaw. This gesture has been widely interpreted to mean that Pogba was chiding the full-back for not having dived inside the box.

Fans were riled up by this clip and made their reactions known in plenty.

In view of Pogba’s own ‘tripping’ later on in the game, this footage does paint the midfielder in an unfavourable light. Some, however, have viewed the incident to mean that Pogba was instructing Shaw to make the best out of the contact made on him.

The Red Devils certainly have their way with penalties, having won a historic number last season. This campaign too the spot-kick rule has favoured them well, with VAR adding to their chances.

This time around, Pogba’s antics are there for all to interpret and draw their own conclusions.