Chelsea 0-2 Manchester United: 5 Talking Points

#2 Pogba puts forgettable PSG display behind him

Pogba was excellent as United earned a hard-fought away win at Chelsea's expense

After a forgettable performance against Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain last week, Paul Pogba produced the perfect response with an impressive display when called upon against Chelsea on this occasion.

He flattered to deceive against Thomas Tuchel's men before being sent off after a high challenge on Dani Alves late on. Here though, there was no questioning whether he was playing or 'missing'' again, as critics love to term it.

With one goal and an assist, Pogba put in a disciplined midfield display where he excelled from start-to-finish and there's no question as to whom United have built their team around. This is Pogba's team.

His passing was largely poor statistically by his high standards (70.6%), but it also showed his willingness to take risks and watch them pay off in the way of created chances. Two key passes and completed dribbles, three tackles and clearances, one interception recorded.

The passing range he possesses has never been in question, but it's still a marvel to watch him spot his teammates in space and find them with cutting-edge precision. That was the case for Herrera's opener, as he left Rudiger in his wake on the edge of the box before lofting an excellent pass for the Spaniard to convert.

From something as innocuous as a throw-in near the centre-circle, Pogba ended up playing the key pass to Rashford - then racing into the box - to head home before half-time. His defensive awareness, engine, and marauding runs were all on show for those who constantly criticize him - perhaps Jose Mourinho didn't know how to utilize him properly after all then?