Sports

Classy Pogba steers Man United to 3-0 win at Young Boys

Classy Pogba steers ManĀ UnitedĀ to 3-0 win at Young Boys

By Reuters

Manchester United's Paul Pogba scores their second goal from the penalty spot during the Champions League, Group H match between BSC Young Boys and Manchester United, at Stade de Suisse, in Bern, Switzerland, on September 19, 2018. Photo: Action Images via Reuters

BERN: Captain Paul Pogba produced an outstanding performance garnished by two goals to helpĀ ManchesterĀ UnitedĀ to a resounding 3-0 win at Swiss debutants Young Boys Bern in their Champions League Group H opener on Wednesday.

Pogba bossed midfield on the artificial pitch and firedĀ UnitedĀ ahead in the 35th minute with a goal of the highest quality, drilling a left-foot shot into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area after side-stepping his marker. The France World Cup winner made it 2-0 with a contentious 44th-minute penalty, harshly awarded by German referee Deniz Aytekin after Luke Shaw's cross struck Kevin Mbabu's arm as the defender tried to avoid contact. A darting run by Pogba midway through the second half released Anthony Martial and the forward scored with a clinical finish from eight metres after his compatriot's good work left him with time and space to find the back of the net. Roared on by a vocal home crowd, Young Boys charged atĀ UnitedĀ in the opening 30 minutes, forcing two saves by David De Gea as the Spain goalkeeper kept out long-range efforts from Mohamed Ali Camara and Christian Fassnacht. United's defence looked vulnerable on either flank to the home team's breakaways, although 19-year-old Portuguese right back Diogo Dalot showed pace going forward on his debut for the Premier League side. After Marcus Rashford clipped the outside of the post with a flicked shot in the 22nd minute,Ā United's nerves were settled when Pogba broke the deadlock out of nothing thanks to a piece of sublime individual skill. Young Boys' hopes of a comeback evaporated after Pogba confidently converted the penalty and Martial, enjoying a rare start up front, made no mistake at the near post asĀ UnitedĀ maintained cruise control in the second half.