Pogba leads Man United to win over Fenerbahce in Van Persie's return
By Richard Jolly
espnfc.com
MANCHESTER, England -- Three quick thoughts from Manchester United's 4-1 win over Fenerbahce in the Europa League at Old Trafford on Thursday.
1. Pogba helps Man United to Mourinho's joint-biggest win
It has been said before but it may prove to be the game that kick-starts Paul Pogba's Manchester United career. The world's most expensive player trebled his goal tally since his £89 million move as his new employers equalled their biggest win under Jose Mourinho. Fenerbahce were brushed aside, losing 4-1, as United positioned themselves to reach the last 32 of the Europa League.
If the opening half hour was a continuation of Monday's stalemate at Anfield, United cut loose thereafter. They were three goals ahead by the interval, four to the good soon afterward. Pogba and Juan Mata, their current and former record transfers, were catalysts.
They got two penalties in three minutes. First Simon Kjaer fell into Mata. Pogba scored his second United goal from the spot. Then Sener Ozbayrakli clattered into Anthony Martial. He, too, converted coolly from 12 yards. The change of penalty takers was intriguing, but both Frenchmen were equally accurate.
Pogba's second goal, and United's third, was terrific, whipped into the top corner from 20 yards. He celebrated with a coordinated dance with Jesse Lingard that was eye-catching for altogether different reasons. Lingard made his mark in a rather better way, finding the bottom corner for the fourth goal.
He excelled on the right, Pogba in a deeper role. Picked as Zlatan Ibrahimovic's support act in Monday's stalemate with Liverpool, the Frenchman was back in the centre of midfield on this occasion.
Mata was also terrific, particularly with a classy pass to release Martial for the second goal. It will be intriguing to see if it earns him a place at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, though this guess is that Pogba will operate as the No. 10 to allow Mourinho two specialist defensive midfielders.
Mourinho had made seven changes. He was able to spare an eighth regular the second half, with Chris Smalling substituted. When Lingard was replaced with 25 minutes remaining, it prompted the thought that he may have earned himself a place at Stamford Bridge, too. Pogba was the third man removed, going off to a standing ovation.
2. Rooney returns but others take penalties
As referee Benoit Bastien pointed to the spot, Old Trafford anticipated a goal. The familiar chant of "Rooney, Rooney" broke out. Except that this time they were not serenading the penalty taker. For the second time in three minutes, Rooney watched on as a teammate found the net.
It felt significant that he was not on spot-kick duties. He was overlooked for not one, but two Frenchmen. Even as he was restored to the starting lineup, there was evidence he is slipping down pecking orders. Mourinho's decision had consequences, even if only statistical ones. Had Rooney taken and scored both penalties -- no guarantee, given his mixed record from 12 yards -- he would be on 248 United goals, only one behind Sir Bobby Charlton's club record.
Instead he continues to toil, so near and yet so far. The supporters' backing ought to offer solace. Perhaps a part in United's third goal will, though his pass was behind Lingard, who did well to tee up Pogba. His role in the fourth was better; his pass to Lingard was simple, but accurate.
So it was a third assist of sorts since he stopped being a first choice. But even his presence in the team, after four substitute appearances, was scarcely an indication of an improvement in his fortunes. Rooney's previous start came against Northampton. His next may come against Fenerbahce in the return game; it is certainly unlikely to be in the glamour games with Chelsea and Manchester City, particularly as others overshadowed him here.
3. Van Persie scores on his return
There was a different sort of journalist at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Van Persie sat in the front row of Dick Advocaat's press conference and asked a question: would he be playing? The answer in the affirmative was belatedly supplied, 24 hours later.
Old Trafford old boys are often welcomed back. The ovation for Van Persie was nonetheless more rousing than those for many other alumni, both before and during the game. The Stretford End rose in a chorus of "Oh Robin van Persie" when he took a corner.
It helped, of course, that they were three goals ahead by that stage. United's supporters could afford to be gracious. They were cheering on 12 men, 11 in the colours of United and one in yellow and blue. They were revisiting a time when they willed Van Persie on every week. Time froze for an instant as one shot curled narrowly wide, beyond a beaten David De Gea. Once again, the Dutchman's name was sung.
They seemed to be willing him to score. Eventually he did, tapping in a low cross. Those applauding and grinning included Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager who brought him to Old Trafford. That predatory strike was a reminder of the gifts that brought him 30 goals in his terrific debut campaign, in 2012-13. He is a lesser player now but scoring for a Fenerbahce team who starved him of service was no mean feat.