Paul makes instant impact on his return as late Bruno penalty forces Spurs to share points
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes he can rekindle Paul Pogba’s best form after the Frenchman made a big impact in his first appearance for six months in a 1-1 draw at Tottenham on Friday.
Solskjaer left the World Cup winner on the bench from the start, but Pogba won the penalty for United’s equaliser, converted by Bruno Fernandes, with a sublime piece of skill to bamboozle Eric Dier.
Pogba has been beset by ankle injuries this season, making just nine appearances, and has been heavily linked with a move away from Manchester.
“Paul always has a point to prove because he wants to be the best,” said Solskjaer. “He’s had such a frustrating season with his injuries.
“For me Paul has shown today how he can contribute. I just look forward to getting him fitter so he can get back to his best.”
A point does little for either side’s chances of breaking into the top four.
United remain in fifth, two points behind Chelsea, but Spurs were even more desperate for the points as they remain in eighth, four points further back.
Jose Mourinho was on course to get the better of his former club when Steven Bergwijn’s strike gave Spurs a half-time lead.
However, Mourinho was left frustrated when United’s second half pressure finally told nine minutes from time when Fernandes converted from the spot.
Fernandes then thought he had won a second penalty, but a VAR review decided there was little contact as he went down under another challenge from Dier.
“We know Manchester United has an incredible record this season of penalties given, so we knew everything in the box was dangerous for us,” said Mourinho.
“I think in the first penalty, the referee made this decision which I admit is difficult for referees, but then the VAR is a different story.
“Referees can make mistakes but I don’t think VAR should make mistakes, then the second penalty is incredible for me.”
Saints win
Earlier at Carrow Road stadium, Southampton pushed Norwich closer to a return to the Championship after second half goals from Danny Ings, Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond earned a 3-0 win.
Victory for the Saints lifts them 10 points clear of the relegation zone, but Norwich remain seven points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table.
Ings continued his fine season by curling his 19th goal of the season into the far corner.
Armstrong then took advantage of some weak Norwich defending to find space on the edge of the box to slot a low shot past Tim Krul.
And Redmond rounded off the scoring against his former club 11 minutes from time as the hosts were caught on the counter-attack.