Manchester United defeated AC Milan to advance to the Europa League Quarterfinals last night 1-0 on the night and 1-2 on aggregate.
Paul Pogba returned from injury and came on in the second half. It was a pleasant surprise to have the World Cup winner return to squad, an even better treat when he scored.
In the 49th minute AC Milan failed to clear their lines after relentless Manchester United pressure in the box. The ball fell to Pogba in the box, he did amazingly well to beat Antonio Donnarumma from the angle.
Paul Pogba came on for Marcus Rashford and United looked solid with an extra midfielder, forcing Milan to attack on the wings where two of the best defensive fullbacks in the Premier League were waiting.
Pogba had multiple runs where he took on and held the ball on defenders well, forcing Milan defenders to foul him and create openings for his teammates.
The return of Paul Pogba comes at a perfect time, he could play in the FA Cup Quarterfinals at the weekend. It will be nice to have such a great player help finish the season strong and deliver silverware to the club.
Pogba’s moment of brilliance earns him an 8, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as well. The San Siro is a hard place to get a result and Manchester United took care of business.
Dean Henderson had a good save on a Zlatan Ibrahimovic header late in the second half. The defense saw the game out and you honestly could not tell that it was a cup game, they even stifled Milan urgency. All 7’s for the defense.
Besides the Zlatan chance, most Milan opportunities were tame. Dean Henderson has kept a lot of clean sheets, but the defense does a really good job at limiting good opportunities.
A little disappointing from the attack minded players, but the result is all that matters in do or die situations. 6’s for the attackers for staying disciplined on the night.
Check out the highlights below.
