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Pogba 'inspired tactical changes' for United victory

Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on January 31, 2018 in London, England.
Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on January 31, 2018 in London, England.

Paul Pogba was responsible for the change in tactics that gave Manchester United a 3-2 comeback against Newcastle United on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho consulted with his players at half-time, as his side were 2-0 down against Newcastle, in an attempt to find a way back for his side after a desperate performance.

According to The Sun, players gave their opinions on the team’s problems and Mourinho asked Pogba over what changes needed to be made.

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In turn, Pogba said he thought he should play in a deeper role, and needed Marouane Fellaini in front of him.

The suggestion led to Pogba dropping into a role just ahead of defence, Nemanja Matic playing in central defence, and Scott McTominay coming off in place of Fellaini.

The second half saw the French midfielder play one of his best matches of the season, before Alexis Sanchez claimed a dramatic late winner. It marked a complete turnaround from the performance that caused United to leave at half-time to boos from the Old Trafford crowd.


Mourinho explained: “During half-time we opened our hearts and we spoke about tactical changes for two minutes.

“Then we spoke for eight minutes about other things that I thought would let the players be a little bit more free to face the second half and it became 3-2. Amazing.”

The win for United ended a run of four games without a victory for the club, though they remain seven points behind Chelsea, Liverpool and current champions Manchester City.