Pogba Scores Twice As United Defeats Fenerbahce

 

Manchester United produced a vintage European display to move joint-top of Europa League Group A with a scintillating 4-1 victory over Fenerbahce. Paul Pogba's 31st-minute penalty broke the deadlock at Old Trafford before Anthony Martial doubled United's lead from the spot three minutes later. The world's most-expensive player struck a brilliant third on the stroke of half-time before Jesse Lingard's first European goal sealed a comprehensive victory for Jose Mourinho's men.

Robin van Persie received a standing ovation when found the net on 83 minutes, but it was mere consolation for Fenerbahce as United warmed up for Sunday's trip to Chelsea in style. Wayne Rooney returned to captain United for the first time since September's EFL Cup win at Northampton as Mourinho made seven changes to the side fielded in Monday's goalless draw at Liverpool.

After a lethargic opening half-hour, in which Martial should have headed United in front on 25 minutes, the game swung in the hosts' favour with two penalties in quick succession. The first came after Michael Carrick picked out Juan Mata in the opposition area with an inch-perfect pass, and the Spaniard drew a foul from Simon Kjaer. Rooney allowed Pogba to take set-piece duties, and the Frenchman clinically converted after a suspect run-up.

After Mata's exquisite pass released Martial through on goal and drew a foul from Sener Ozbayrakli, the Frenchman made it two, finding the same spot as Pogba had low to the 'keeper's right.
Fenerbahce had the chance to reduce the arrears immediately but David de Gea was on hand to thwart Souza's low drive - and two quickly became three as United cut loose with the goal of the game. United carried on from where they left off after the break as Pogba and Rooney combined to set up Lingard, whose struck low to Volkan Demirel's right for United's fourth.