Mourinho praises ‘monster’ performance from Pogba

Ian Watson

Jose Mourinho hailed a “monster” performance from Paul Pogba after the World Cup winner answered Manchester United’s call and helped deliver victory against Leicester.

France international Pogba played, and scored, in the World Cup final just 26 days ago but with options thin on the ground he barely hesitated when invited to take to the field against the Foxes.

Mourinho would rather have had more bodies available due to successful transfers – and made one pointed reference to his own role in the recruitment process – but he could not fail to be impressed by Pogba’s powerhouse showing in the 2-1 win.

The midfielder successfully converted a third-minute penalty to give his side the lead and gave everything until the 84th minute – by which point Luke Shaw’s first career goal had doubled the advantage.

Jamie Vardy’s sniper’s effort set up a tense finale but, after a frustrating summer, Mourinho was at least able to celebrate three points.

“Pogba was a monster, we thought maximum 60 minutes but he managed (more than) 80,” he said. “Pre-season was very hard and we needed this fantastic spirit by the players to manage this performance and this result.

“(Picking Pogba) was not hard, the decision belonged to him. Andreas Pereira comes from the Valencia bench as a winger to play number six, Fred (has had) 10 days training (and comes from) the Ukrainian league direct to Old Trafford. Ander Herrera injured.

“I had only two options, Scott (McTominay) or Paul, but if I play Scott I play two kids and a new player, so I asked Paul and he put himself available for the team and he was very, very good for us.”