Manchester United left it late to collect all three points as Paul Pogba scored two penalties on either side of a Felipe Anderson goal to complete a 2-1 win over West Ham United.
On a day when Manchester United seemed to be lacking the attacking verve against a resolute West Ham United side, chances came few and far between. In fact, their only shot on target in the first half came when Paul Pogba converted from the spot after Juan Mata had been fouled by Robert Snodgrass.
West Ham, meanwhile, took the game to their hosts, especially post the break before grabbing a well deserved equaliser through Felipe Anderson early into the second half. Michail Antonio was then denied twice, first by the crossbar then by David de Gea, as the visitors looked to grab the lead.
But, Manchester United had the last laugh as Ryan Fredericks fouled Anthony Martial inside the West Ham box when the Frenchman was through on goal. Pogba stepped up to take the resulting penalty and slotted in once again, thereby handing United all three points. And, fans hailed the star midfielder for a job well done, while also noticing a change in his penalty run-up.
After his penalty, Paul Pogba appeared to give the rest of the team a pep talk. Need to see this out. #mufc pic.twitter.com/zI19arYjkO
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) April 13, 2019
Some people say he is overrated lmao he’s 1 midfielder in the world …!
Numbers never lie
— AFC❤️ (@pogbom_Jr) April 13, 2019
Since Ole Gunnar Solskjær took over, Paul Pogba leads Man Utd in:
direct goal involvements (16)
goals (10)
assists (6)
take-ons (25)
chances created (27)
Main man. ? pic.twitter.com/FVOwgZTFb4
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 13, 2019
Excellent penalty 1-0 United. No more babysteps bullshit. #pogba #mufc
— Aditya Rathod (@aditya_reds) April 13, 2019
Paul Labile Pogba this season:
Goals: 16
Assists: 11Best CM in the world. No debate pic.twitter.com/CK4UwFW3ET
— James (@LabileSZN) April 13, 2019
That’s now 21 goal contributions for Paul Pogba in the Premer League this season.
Phenomenal numbers for a midfielder.?? pic.twitter.com/k4rzHjChSC
— UtdArena. (@utdarena) April 13, 2019
Pogba scoring pens is so funny because for some reason it triggers everyone ?
— Husan✨ (@HusanGx) April 13, 2019
Every penalty Pogba scores I love him more ? pens never used to count when Lampard used to take em or when Kane bagged nothing but pens in the WC! Pogba got more pens than WHSmith & I’m here for it ? #MUNWHU
— Rants (@rantsnbants) April 13, 2019
Another player who received his fair share of admirers on the day was Fred, who was colossal in midfield for Manchester United.
This Fred guy what a player! Silently bossing it! U lot still wanna get rid or nah? ???♂️ #MUNWHU
— Rants (@rantsnbants) April 13, 2019
POGBA AND FRED HAVE BEEN THE ONLY PLAYERS WHO HAVE TURNED UP TODAY!
SO DESERVING!
— The United Link ? (@TheUnitedLink) April 13, 2019
Fred playing excellent.
— Stephen Howson ?? (@MrStephenHowson) April 13, 2019
Very solid from Fred so far. Won a lot of balls and picked up pieces. Always seems to find a red shirt with his pass.
— James Robson (@jamesrobsonES) April 13, 2019
Finally, fans were critical of David de Gea and Marcos Rojo for their role in the goal that Manchester United conceded.
Think it’s fair to say that David De Gea isn’t having the best season. Not many will speak about it since he has god like status amongst us fans but he’s not immune from criticism.
Needs to step up.
— The United Link ? (@TheUnitedLink) April 13, 2019
Match thoughts.
-Awful performance.
-PenaltyFC
-Hopefully that was the last time we see Rojo in a United shirt.
-Lukaku was good.Barcelona next. Much better performance needed if we’re even have a chance at the Nou Camp. #mufc
— Simply Utd (@SimplyUtd) April 13, 2019
De Gea at fault for the first goal at Wolves with a poor pass into midfield and he’s done the same again here. Rolled it straight to Rice.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) April 13, 2019
Rojo’s a League One left back.
— Rich (@RichRedVoices) April 13, 2019
