The ManicaPost
Paul Pogba is making sure everything is in working order ahead of Manchester United’s second Europa League group game against Ukrainian-side Zorya.Pogba scored in United’s 4-1 win over Leicester as he appeared to have finally found his best position in Jose Mourinho’s starting XI, with a more free role alongside Ander Herrera in midfield.
With Old Trafford set to play host to the side who finished fourth in the Ukrainian Premier League, Pogba decided to undergo a medical check-up on his condition.
In a picture posted on the midfield star’s Instagram account, captioned ‘heart beats’, Pogba strikes a contemplative pose whilst wearing a monitor on his torso.
No doubt his BPM would have been going through the roof after scoring his first United goal on Saturday. Although Pogba is no stranger to the scoresheet, after making his dramatic return to the Manchester club in the summer the strike takes on extra importance.
‘It feels great to get my first goal at Old Trafford,’ Pogba told the club’s website . ‘For me it was very good and very important. I hope it won’t be the last one.’
The central midfielder, who Mourinho landed from Juventus, drew criticism for his early performances upon his return.
However former Old Trafford midfielder Quinton Fortune believes Pogba’s ‘humble’ personality will see him thrive this season, wherever Mourinho picks the Frenchman.
‘Like every human being he wanted to do everything at the beginning,’ Fortune said at the Soccerex Global Convention. ‘That happens with the pressure, the price tag, but now he looks like he’s taking it in his stride, not trying to do stuff he hasn’t before.
‘We all know, even before he left, what he was like. He’s got stronger at Juve, he’s a better player now for that experience.
‘He scored a good goal so that will settle him down. He’s a very humble guy. You speak to everyone at the training ground and the say he’s an amazing kid who isn’t fazed by the hype.
‘He gets on with the job. Yes, he was probably trying too hard the first few games – ‘I’m Pogba, I’m here and want to show you’ – but is showing what he can do now. There’s much more to come.’
Pogba flourished alongside Herrera in the weekend win over Leicester City and Fortune hopes to see that partnership develop over the coming weeks.
‘They’ve got more ball players around him now,’ the former United midfielder added. ‘Juan Mata, Herrera allow him to be free. The problem with Pogba is that he is strong, can defend and attack – he can do everything.
‘Sometimes that can be a negative thing. Just put him on the pitch, forget all the complications and the tactical stuff. Just let the kid play.
‘When he was so successful at Juve the players around him were Pirlo and Vidal – he was allowed to express himself. Pirlo left and he took over that role, became more responsible. You’ll get to see that confidence, the understanding with team-mates.
‘He’s coming from Italy where it’s more tactical. The Premier League is tough. Some players take a season to adapt, he’s having to adapt quickly because of the price tag. Some wouldn’t be able to deal with it.’ – DAILY MAIL SPORT
