Manchester United’s Paul Pogba determined to build on goalscoring form after bringing down Young Boys
Pogba’s brace in Bern on Wednesday night not only provided Jose Mourinho’s side with an important three points, but also gave the midfielder his third and fourth goals of the season so far
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Paul Pogba intends to maintain his early-season scoring form for Manchester United after his match-winning display against Young Boys in the Champions League.
Pogba’s brace in Bern on Wednesday night sent Jose Mourinho’s side on their way to an important 3-0 win but also gave the midfielder his third and fourth goals of the season so far.
Though the campaign is still in its infancy and three of those four strikes have come from the penalty spot, Pogba is currently United’s joint-top scorer, level in the ranks with Romelu Lukaku.
The midfielder found the breakthrough at the Stade de Suisse after his neat footwork made space for an emphatic, first-half strike. Pogba’s second followed from the penalty spot, two minutes before half time, and he later set up Anthony Martial for United’s third.
On the significance of starting off with a win in Group H, given Valencia and Juventus come next, Pogba said: “It was very important because it was the first game in the Champions League and we needed to start well.
“We did it and got the result we wanted. Maybe the performance should have been better but we have the result and the three points so we are very happy.
“I’m happy as well to score the goals that were decisive in the win,” he added, before revealing that and the midfielder intends to keep up this clinical form in front of goal. “If I can do it I will try to help the team as much as possible. If I can score a goal or make an assist that will be great.”
Pogba’s one blemish of late was a missed penalty in the 2-0 win at Burnley before the international break. Even so, he resumed spot-kick duties in Bern, persevered with a long, stuttered run-up and – this time – converted.
“I didn’t have any doubts about taking the penalty,” he told MUTV. “I know I missed that one against Burnley. Joe Hart got me that time but I won’t do the same mistake.
“I had the confidence of the players, they let me take it and I should thank them for this, as well as the manager – he let me take it as well.”
United’s win on Wednesday night was their third in three games, following the Premier League victories at Burnley and Watford. All three have come away from home.
United’s win on Wednesday night was their third in three games, following the Premier League victories at Burnley and Watford. All three have come away from home.
The bruising, back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur last month should not be quickly forgotten, but Pogba admits to being pleased with United’s recent improvement.
“Obviously when you win you are happy but we are still trying to get better,” he said. ”We are changing the team and the players that come in feel like they are already in the team and that’s what we need.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments