Manchester United’s Paul Pogba returns in style to cut down NewcastleManchester United’s Paul Pogba returns in style to cut down Newcastle

Once again, Paul Pogba is doing his snake-hips shuffle beneath the Stretford End and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – straight-backed, chest puffed out, knee fixed – can be seen soaking up the crowd’s acclaim. It still might not be enough when it comes to the task of catching, and overhauling, Manchester City at the top of the Premier League – but it must still feel reassuring for Manchester United’s supporters to see these two wearing the team’s colours again.

For Ibrahimovic, it was his first appearance since his cruciate ligaments were ruptured in April and it was a tremendous cheer when he came on in thye 77th minute. All the goals had gone in by that stage but, Zlatan being Zlatan, one imagines he is certain he can still have a considerable influence on this season’s title race. He will be outraged, undoubtedly, that an acrobatic volley was saved by the Newcastle goalkeeper, Rob Elliot, to deny him a comeback goal in the final moments.

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No matter. This was still a satisfying evening for José Mourinho in many different ways. Pogba was excellent, capping his return from two months out with the team’s third goal, and Romelu Lukaku should also feel better after ending his barren run. Lukaku lashed in his goal in the manner of someone who had grown weary of being reminded he had not scored for his club since 30 September.