By Dave Marshall
Manchester United returned to winning ways after a 1-0 defeat to champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago and were boosted by the return of influential duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba who have both been out since April and September respectively.
It wasn’t the best of start for us as we had to come from behind to win against the Magpies, Dwight Gayle 14th minute strike put the visitors ahead after taking advantage of Victor Lindelof’s slip and it was the first time a visiting team would score against David de Gea at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season, but goals from Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling, Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku secured a comfortable win for us.
The return of French midfielder Paul Pogba who has been out since September due to a hamstring injury he sustained against FC Basel in the Champions League showed how much he has been missed after a Man of the Match display against the Magpies. In the 37th minute, Paul Pogba assisted Anthony Martial to restore parity for the hosts and he also marked his return with a goal in the 54th minute after a lovely counter-attacking move and a beautiful assist from Marcus Rashford to score our third goal.
The Frenchman has missed 12 of our games in all competitions since he got injured and has seen the Red Devils fall 8 points behind rivals and Premier League leaders Manchester City, but his return has brought back the swagger and attacking football displayed by United at the beginning of the season.
Below is what fans have been saying about Paul Pogba performance against Southampton on social media platform, twitter:
Not so many #pogba haters on social media today where u all hiding u clueless bunch of numptys #mufc #MUFC_FAMILY #manchesterunited @realredreview #instagram pic.twitter.com/2LSdTr1Ihi
— Adam Stott (@Adamstott30) November 19, 2017
Its clear the difference Pogba makes to the team n their play when he is playing but it remains to be seen if he can be just as influential in big games. It's also important to note that despite the hype, he is not the finished article yet. #MUFC
— Rasvinder Bhullar (@RasBhullar) November 19, 2017
So good to have Pogba back yesterday! #MUFC #Pogba
— Paul James Pugh (@pjmanpugh) November 19, 2017
Pogba is best CM in the world. If you disagree then football isn't for you.
— James (@JamesMUFC96) November 19, 2017
What a performance from Pogba. Like he had never been away, but we need others to step up when he doesn't play. #mufc
— Chris Scruton (@inaminute23) November 19, 2017
I think Pogba is playing well this season because he isn’t the most expensive player in the world and not even the second. #MUFC
— Abdelrahman Emara (@Abdemara2511) November 19, 2017
United look a different team with Pogba back #mufc
— Wayne Towle (@Lawmantheking) November 19, 2017
Pogba has been sensational for the Red Devils so far this season scoring 3 goals and providing the same number of assists in just 5 Premier League games. Manchester City looks unstoppable at the moment but his return could yet see United close the gap on the Citizens and breathe life back into our fading title aspirations.