Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba revealed that he asked permission from captain Wayne Rooney to take the penalty from which he opened the scoring in tonight’s 4-1 thrashing of Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
Pogba converted from the spot for his second goal for the club, and that set United on the way to what proved to be a comfortable victory, with Anthony Martial also scoring a penalty before Pogba scored a spectacular long-range strike and Jesse Lingard added further gloss to the scoreline.
Speaking to BT Sport post-match, Pogba said: “We wanted the win because it was really important and now we are top of the group and are looking forward to the next game.
“I told Wayne (Rooney) I wanted to take the penalty and he let me. I am very happy to score that penalty and from a player like him to let me it is big respect so I am very glad.
“I feel comfortable with all of the team. It is just at the start of the season and there is still a long way to go and we want to go up and do our best and be top of the league.”
Pogba was excellent against Fenerbahce, with the Frenchman, who has received much criticism since returning to the club, delivering a majestic performance.
It is perhaps a little surprising that Rooney, who has struggled for form this season, didn’t elect to take the penalty himself, but the goal certainly seemed to provide Pogba with an injection of confidence.
The win saw United move up to second in Group A and boost their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the competition.
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