Manchester United 4-1 Fenerbahce: Paul Pogba's Double Steals The Show In Easy Win

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Two penalties, just three minutes apart, from Frenchmen Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial, followed by excellent long-range strikes from Pogba and Jesse Lingard, set Manchester United on their way to a comfortable 4-1 win over Fenerbahce.

Robin van Persie, who almost single-handedly won the league for the Red Devils in 2012-13, returned to Old Trafford to much fanfare, and the Dutchman scored a late consolation goal, which was cheered by the home fans as well as the travelling support.

It was another typically disjointed start from United, who welcomed captain Wayne Rooney back into the side – this time in the centre forward position – who struggled to make a chance until twenty-six minutes into the first half, when Anthony Martial failed to make meaningful contact with a simple header from just four yards out. Approaching the half hour mark, the lack of chances saw the Old Trafford faithful whistling their players, demanding more tempo and invention in their approach.

The voices of discontent soon went quiet when a searching pass from Michael Carrick picked out Juan Mata, just outside the six-yard box, before the Spaniard was clearly tripped by Simon Kjaer. Pogba stepped up to take the spot-kick, and slotted home after a ridiculously stuttered run-up.

Two minutes later, the ball was on the spot again, after Mata floated a wonderful ball to set Anthony Martial clean through on goal, only to be felled by Sener Ozbayrakli. Referee Benoit Bastien decided not to hand out further punishment to the right-back, but Martial dusted himself down to rifle home the resulting penalty to all but kill the game.

The third goal was vintage Manchester United and the highlight of the evening. Jesse Lingard did exceptionally well to trap an awkwardly-bouncing centre from Wayne Rooney before laying the ball off to an advancing Paul Pogba. The world’s most expensive player, brimming with confidence after his earlier goal, didn’t even break stride, whipping the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net from twenty yards out.

The game was over by half-time, but United came out full of intent after the break, and it took them just two minutes to extend their lead. Mourinho’s men forced an error deep in Fenerbahce territory, and after two sharp passes, Jesse Lingard drove the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of Volkan Demirel’s net from just outside the box, to secure his first goal in European competition.

The England winger’s impressive strike saw United sit back for the remainder of the match, only sporadically counter-attacking in pursuit of a fifth goal. Juan Mata had a golden chance saved by Demirel, before two-goal hero Pogba departed to a standing ovation. The Frenchman put in a dazzling performance that he will hope can kickstart his return to the club.

With seven minutes remaining, slack United marking allowed the returning van Persie to prod home from close-range, earning the Dutch striker warm applause from all four corners of the stadium. Manchester United players and fans were enjoying themselves but tougher tasks lie ahead, starting at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

90min