Manchester United’ supporters have flooded to social media on Friday evening, to single one member of Ralf Rangnick’s squad out for special praise.
The Red Devils are of course currently locked in action.
On the back of a two-week break, United have kicked the club’s campaign back into gear in an FA Cup 4th-round showdown with Championship outfit Middlesbrough.
And, as things stand, with 45 minutes played at Old Trafford, the hosts look in firm control.
After all of Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo (the latter from the penalty spot) all came within a whisker of opening the game’s scoring during the early exchanges, the deadlock was finally broken with 25 minutes on the clock.
And it was English international Sancho who proved the man on target, latching onto a ball over the top courtesy of a gorgeous first touch, before picking out the far corner with the help of the slightest of deflections:
Your first touch can make a goal ?@Sanchooo10 teaching lessons ?#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/U2sl6mSBKB
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 4, 2022
‘The difference’
It is in fact another member of Ralf Rangnick’s squad, however, who has been singled out for the most widespread praise on the back of the first-half of action coming to a close on Friday night.
The player in question? Paul Pogba.
French international Pogba was restored to United’s starting XI this evening, marking his return to action on the back of a lengthy layoff with a groin injury.
And, evidently, those of a Red Devils persuasion feel as though the former Juventus man was sadly missed, with Pogba, amid a typically poised display in the middle of the park, having been widely labelled as ‘the difference’:
It might only be Middlesbrough but Pogba is looking very lively at the moment. Makes an monumental difference to our midfield.
— . (@Pogbaganda) February 4, 2022
See the difference between our midfielders and pogba it’s astronomically clear man
— Nolimit.Steve⭐️ (@owolabiSzn_) February 4, 2022
Pogba makes such a difference in possession because the ball moves quicker
— Neo Ramokoka (@NeoRamokoka121) February 4, 2022
Pogba is the difference maker.
— Victor Von Gloom. (@0laotan) February 4, 2022
I know the huge baggage he brings but Pogba has so much more quality than Fred. Visible difference made to the midfield and yes i know its only Middlesbrough #MUNMID
— Haider (@haidymalik) February 4, 2022
Clear difference in midfield with Pogba. How we missed him. #MUFC
— Richie (@arwren_) February 4, 2022
The difference with Pogba in midfield tbh
— Ciaran (@CiaranPowerHall) February 4, 2022
The difference Pogba makes to this team is astounding, no one in this side has his ability
— Dwiggy St. Patrick ??? (@dwiggysauce) February 4, 2022
Having Paul Pogba in the midfield makes a massive difference
— Charlie (@chorne_) February 4, 2022
Pogba playing and no Fred and what a huge difference. Having a midfield player who can actually pass brings the likes of Sancho into the game. #ManUnited
— Imtiaz Ameen (@imtiazameen) February 4, 2022
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough live streaming: Watch FA Cup online
Manchester United ‘step up’ pursuit of number one midfield target as overhaul set to commence
