Pogba Was United’s Best Player vs Watford Despite Playing Only 25 Minutes
Manchester United fans are not on the receiving end of much cheer this Christmas as their side rendered yet another disappointing performance.
Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Watford, who are the bottom-most side in the Premier League and began the fixture with only one win to their name, was a new low for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.
The game featured much of what was lacking in the new regime as David De Gea’s shocking drop saw Ismaila Sarr break the deadlock in the 50th minute. This was followed by a stray Aaron Wan-Bissaka tackle inside the box and the ensuing penalty was converted well by Troy Deeney.
Emotions flared after the loss and fans were open in their criticism of Solskjaer on Twitter.
However, even within this defeat, there was a glimmer of hope.
The fixture was the first one in nearly three months that the Red Devils had a fit Paul Pogba. The French midfielder played a role in the away game when he came on for the final-third of game, subbed on for Jesse Lingard.
https://twitter.com/UtdPotential/status/1209058893319593984
https://twitter.com/utdxtra/status/1208920535008235520
It wasn’t that long ago when there was an actual discussion on Paul Pogba and whether he’d be able to get back into the starting 11 once he came back from his ankle injury. He was our best player yesterday, and he was only on the field for 25-30 minutes. Tells you everything.
— Retro United (@Retro_Utd) December 23, 2019
Pogba our best player yesterday + he played for just 26 mins. Instantly effected the game and made things happen, we had a shot every 2 mins when he was introduced compared to every 9 mins. He adds that creative spark we have desperately been missing. Good to have him back. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/IPwPiQhqch
— UnitedReds (@UnitedRedscom) December 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/TheManUtdWay/status/1208828287444824066
Kept away by injury and illness, Pogba was swift in displaying to the fans precisely what they were missing and most of them were in acceptance of the sheer impact he brought to the game.
Apart from praises heaped on his general showing and the profound difference he made to the final minutes, the statistics also painted a favorable outlook of his display.
Simply put, United were a much more electric side when Pogba was on the pitch and fans can’t wait to see him start a full game now.
At the same time, Pogba’s sole showing does not change the fact that there are larger, more profound issues at play in this United side. Further still, the Frenchman’s transfer trysts aren’t over either and thus this glimmer of hope may not be a Red Devils for too long.