A 4-1 win over Bournemouth made it three wins out of three for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the Manchester United caretaker manager, with Paul Pogba scoring twice for the hosts.
A player reborn under the temporary boss, Pogba continued his fine run, scoring just five minutes into the game as he tapped the ball into an open net following some fine work by Marcus Rashford. He then went on to double his tally in the 33rd minute, heading home from Ander Herrera’s first time cross.
Rashford then got himself in on the act as he stretched to provide the finishing touches to Anthony Martial’s cross, before Bournemouth pulled a goal back at the stroke of half-time through Nathan Ake. The second half was played at a much slower pace, with Romelu Lukaku rounding off the win with a fine finish, before Eric Bailly was sent off for a rash tackle, ten minute from time.
Unsurprisingly, Pogba was the primary subject of discussion for fans, with the Frenchman scoring nearly half the goals that Manchester United have scored under Solskjaer, who got some credit for the resurgence as well.
If Paul Pogba was white and English we would be seeing some serious Gerrard/Scholes/Lampard comparisons from pundits and fans right now.
— Fredrik (@F_Edits) December 30, 2018
Paul Pogba this season in the Premier League:
– Under Mourinho :
14 matches
3 goals– Under Solskjaer :
3 matches
3 goalsUnlocked. pic.twitter.com/BPTW8Tkbnp
— Devils of United (@DevilsOfUnited) December 30, 2018
This man is fire ? ?.! Pogba is finally unlocked ? pic.twitter.com/UGWg1G1GoY
— Vano Ol. (@vanol_) December 30, 2018
Two goals and one assist for Pogba today. Running the show for Manchester United under Solskjær. More to come.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) December 30, 2018
Four goals and two assists for Pogba in the last three games. The virus is lethal, it seems
— Ryan Baldi (@RyanBaldiFW) December 30, 2018
IF POGBA IS A VIRUS, THEN INFECT THE ENTIRE FOOTBALL CLUB.
— Aaron Wan-Bisscammer (@Nigerianscamsss) December 30, 2018
Four goals and three assists in the last three games for Pogba. His Brighton performance felt like a real kick in the teeth. So good to see him more than pulling his weight and driving us forward the way we’ve wanted him to all along. pic.twitter.com/6d4jNZOHXS
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) December 30, 2018
Marcus Rashford is another player who has been in fine form under Solskjaer, and the fans made note of the Englishman’s brilliant performance.
Marcus Rashford, don’t you know these defenders have families? ?pic.twitter.com/b7amwF3P1Q
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) December 30, 2018
That’s five assists in December for Rashford. Strength, skill, vision and precision all on show there
— Ryan Baldi (@RyanBaldiFW) December 30, 2018
Credit to Marcus Rashford. Looked tired at times this season, but, like many others in the squad, he looks revitalised under Solskjær. Sharper movement, eye for goal, better combination play. Pleasing to see.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) December 30, 2018
Just a local lad that Rashford kid. Offers nothing.. Only get played because he's from Manchester they said.
— James Stretford (@Jamesstretford) December 30, 2018
Finally, Solskjaer has become the toast of the town, for bringing the happy days back at Manchester United fans, as his 100 percent start as caretaker boss continued.
The perfect example of how Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba have been given their freedom by the new Solskjaer regime. Thrilling football #mufc
— Sam Pilger (@sampilger) December 30, 2018
Solskjaer, like Zidane, realising the value of happy players enjoying their football again. Talk tactics all you want but that is the most important thing. It transfers to the fans too, who are enjoying watching their team again.
— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) December 30, 2018
“Woke up this morning feeling fine, got Man Utd on my mind. Solskjaer playing the way that United should!!” #MUFC pic.twitter.com/s3FOSel9NU
— Everything Man Utd (@everything_utd) December 30, 2018
Smile with the *BOSS* OGS is a genius ole ole ole all the way pic.twitter.com/hFNbMhGTde
— Obinwanne (@aneke_obinwanne) December 30, 2018
You are my Solskjaer ? #mufc pic.twitter.com/lIoibY7blG
— Ramesh (@RameshMUFC) December 30, 2018
