Paul Pogba had just said that he still needs time to adapt to life at Manchester United. Tonight he’s showing some signs of adaptation. Pogba had become really big target of United supporters due to his lack of production; amplified by his astronomical paycheck.
It’s really hard to live up to expectations when you’re the world’s most expensive player ($115 million, £89.3 million). Pogba had only scored one goal in eight appearances with United heading into tonight’s Europa League clash with Fenerbahce.
He achieved a double, half of the Red Devils scoring output, as United cruised past Turkish side Fenerbahce 4-1.
In the postgame press conference, United Manager Jose Mourinho made reference to one of the more colorful sound bites he’s made lately. The Portugese is known for extremely candid and interesting comments, but “the football Einsteins” was still one of his best in recent memory this season.
Mourinho brought that phrase out again when alluding to Paul Pogba.
“In some of your mouths, he goes from the worst player in the Premier League to the best player in 48 hours, especially the Einsteins,” he said.
“Really, we know he is a very good player. We know he needs his time to show his potential. He needs time to adapt.
“He is a confident boy — he is not depressed because some people say he is a bad player — and he is just calm, so I don’t think today will make a big difference.
“But it’s always nice for a player to score goals at home, especially a beautiful goal.”
Mourinho wasn’t done referencing the immortal scientist and revolutionary intellectual.
Mourinho said later when explaining his line-up:
“We played with Lingard, Mata and Martial. I’m not an Einstein — I don’t know a system to play four wingers at the same time. He has to work more to get the intensity and real fitness to play at a high level.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
He also consistently appears on numerous radio and television talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram and Sound Cloud.