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MANCHESTER. – He does not yet share teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s cult status, but Paul Pogba’s display on his comeback from injury showed his importance to Manchester United is second to none. Having toiled in Pogba’s absence, recently taking four points from a possible 12 in the Premier League, United rediscovered their swagger against Newcastle United on Saturday when the Frenchman made his return.

With a goal and an assist in a 4-1 comeback win, Pogba was the man of the match and his overall display helped United find a level they have struggled to reach during his two-month absence.

“He affects our football,” summarised United manager Jose Mourinho.

“We all know, myself and the fellow players, that certain players influence the levels of the team. With him we have much more creation.”

Though he has often dazzled with his long-legged technical artistry, the recognition of Pogba’s influence on United’s play has been slow in coming.

His then world-record £89.3 million transfer from Juventus last year created huge expectations and although his first season was successful, there were few fireworks. – AFP.