It is impossible to overstate how unexpected Manchester United’s comeback over bitter rivals Manchester City was on Saturday.
After a cagey opening quarter, Vincent Kompany’s bullet header sparked the game into life and Jose Mourinho’s men, who had been sent out to contain their hosts, had no idea how to respond.
Ilkay Gundogan’s goal to make it 2-0 looked as if it would be the first of many on a humiliating evening for the red side of Manchester and it would have been if Raheem Sterling had put his shooting boots on.
After half-time, the situation demanded that United came to party and they did so in sensational style. Within 10 minutes of the restart, they were level and we’ve taken a closer look at the numbers behind the performance of the man who dragged them back into proceedings, Paul Pogba.
It was of course Chris Smalling who got the winner but it was the 51-cap French international’s confidence and personality that helped the Reds claw back the deficit.
His two goals from three shots on target will grab the headlines but it was his four dribbles that allowed United to break the lines and get up the pitch.
Also, as Mourinho’s men showed a greater ability to fend off Pep Guardiola’s side in the second period, Pogba made two interceptions and two clearances to keep the slender lead intact.
Pogba needed a performance like that to silence some of the doubters.
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