Paul Pogba captained Manchester United during their 3-2 Premier League loss at Brighton.
First-half goals from Albion trio Glenn Murray, Shane Duffy and Pascal Gross inflicted defeat on United, with Romelu Lukaku pulling one back before Pogba scored a late consolation with a penalty.
Here, Press Association Sport analyses Pogba’s performance at the Amex Stadium.
Role
3⃣ changes from the opening day win over Leicester – what do we think, #MUFC fans? #BHAMUN pic.twitter.com/9JvGhIatg9
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 19, 2018
Pogba lined up on the left side of a three-man central midfield, with Andreas Pereira as the anchor man and summer signing Fred further right. The 25-year-old was often the most advanced of the trio, looking to assist central striker Lukaku and wingers Juan Mata and Anthony Martial. His defensive responsibility appeared limited. In the second half, he was deployed in a deeper position after Pereira and Mata were replaced by attacking England duo Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford.
Link-up play
Body language
Goal threat
Close for #MUFC! @PaulPogba lets fly from distance, but Ryan makes a magnificent save to deny the Frenchman. #BHAMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 19, 2018
Pogba was on target from the penalty spot in United’s opening win against Leicester and he again converted from 12 yards here, although it was too late to make a difference. His first-half cross-shot sailed harmlessly over, and he was unable to break into the box after being dropped into a more defensive role by manager Jose Mourinho at the break. A shot from range with 15 minutes remaining was tipped wide by Albion goalkeeper Mat Ryan.
Overall
