Under fire Paul Pogba proves doubters wrong with match winning performance

Paul Pogba delivered the perfect response to his doubters with a coming of age match winning performance in the Manchester derby.

The league’s most expensive player has endured some tough times in the last few months. And after Pep Guardiola revealed on Friday that he was offered the chance to sign Paul Pogba in January by his agent, the pressure of the whole world was on his shoulders.

By half time, the pressure was further increased, as Manchester United were 2-0 down, and Pogba was looking lethargic at best. However, as we all know now, that soon changed in the second half.

The blue streak in his hair and his supposed lack of commitment were being talked about in almost every nook and cranny in England. People were certain that Pogba would be gone in the summer.

Such was the level of criticism, that some were even feeling sorry for the Frenchman. But then came United’s stunning second half comeback, with Pogba leading the charge. And no one was talking about his hair or lack of commitment any more.

Pogba has never looked more like an £89 million man than he did yesterday. Two well taken goals in a matter of 90 seconds shocked the whole world that had tuned in to watch City’s coronation at the expense of United’s embarrassment.

But it wasn’t just the goals, it was the way he marshaled United’s midfield and put in a dominating display to help his side perform one of the most miraculous comebacks in recent times. He drove United on his shoulders and almost single-handedly saved them from the cusp of humiliation.

Many players have single-handedly won pivotal games for United over the years. Take Roy Keane vs Juventus, or Wayne Rooney with his overhead kick vs Manchester City, or Robin van Persie throughout the 2012-13 season. And Pogba has now rightly joined that list.

United won’t win the title this season, but it will give them and Pogba some great newfound belief that they can come back and challenge Manchester City for the title next season.

Manchester United needed a leader, and Pogba took it upon himself to be their savior. City’s party has been postponed, and United fans can breathe a sigh of relief, all thanks to Pogba, who gave the perfect response to his critics.

Next: Manchester United confident of signing another Chelsea star

Both Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba will now be hoping to kick on and end the season on a high, before coming back and challenging for the league title next season.