His time on the pitch might have been brief, but Paul Pogba certainly made his presence felt for Manchester United against Brighton.
The midfielder was something of a surprise omission from the starting line-up on Tuesday night, as United looked to end their winless run following the international break.
With the hosts looking to protect their 1-0 lead against the 10 men of Brighton though, Pogba was eventually called upon by Ralf Rangnick in the second half, and he made an impact during the 24 minutes he was on the pitch, including added time.
While there remains plenty of speculation over his future as he enters the final few months of his contract, the World Cup winner sent a timely reminder of his talent as he produced a number of highlights during the closing stages, including the all-important assist for Bruno Fernandes to secure United’s win.
Here are five of Pogba’s best moments against Brighton.
Instant impact
Just moments after making his way onto the pitch, Pogba was already getting United moving more freely.
Much has been made of United’s approach this season, and the Frenchman certainly gave them an instant boost as he almost played in Fernandes within seconds.
He almost found his team-mate’s burst into the box with a first-time ball, only for Adam Webster to deny Fernandes with a well-timed challenge, but Pogba was already having an impact.
Using his strength against Bissouma
What better way to silence your critics then to show up one of the players tipped to replace you?
Yves Bissouma had United fans talking during the first half with his performance, with the Brighton midfielder having been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with some eyeing him up as a potential replacement for Pogba.
But the Frenchman came out on top in their short personal battle, particularly after using his strength to block off his opposite number, sending Bissouma to the floor as he shielded the ball away from the Brighton man just as he looked to making some ground in United’s half.
Fancy feet
There is no doubting Pogba’s skills with the ball at his feet; the main question over his time at United has usually surrounded his application.
But the midfielder produced a reminder of the quality he can produce as the clock ticked down at Old Trafford as he almost opened up things for the hosts.
Having shrugged off the challenge of Jakub Moder, he made his way to the edge of the penalty area and had Joel Veltman mesmerised with his step-overs as he almost opened things up for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Leaving Mac Allister in the dust
Even when put under pressure, Pogba came up with an answer in some style.
Fed a loose pass from Scott McTominay, the midfielder had a job on his hands to make sure Alexis Mac Allister didn’t come away with the ball and set up a potential break for the visitors.
There needn’t have been any concern though as Pogba produced a superb Cruyff turn to leave his opponent in his wake, and once again set United on their way forward.
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Quick-thinking to set up Fernandes
With the game approaching its final few seconds and with United still holding on to their 1-0 lead, you would be forgiven for wanting to slow things down when presented with a free-kick inside your own half.
Not Pogba though, with the Frenchman instantly seeing an opportunity as he quickly set Fernandes away, with the Portuguese racing forward to make it 2-0.
The assist was Pogba’s eighth of the season, leaving him behind only Liverpool duo Trent Alexander-Arnold (10) and Mo Salah (nine) as he showed why he can still play an important part for United.
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