MANCHESTER, united kingdom, Aug 20- Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho praised the performance of midfielder Paul Pogba after Friday night’s 2-0 victory over Southampton at Old Trafford.
Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored on either side of the half-time break to ensure the hosts walked away with all three points, but it was Pogba’s showing that had fans and supporters buzzing after the game.
The France international, who is the world’s most expensive footballer following his £89m switch from Juventus, played the full 90 minutes and was United’s leading player in terms of passes, touches, shots and duels won.
This after Pogba gave away possession with his first touch of the game, a situation that lead to a goal-scoring opportunity for the Saints.
However, Mourinho felt the player recovered brilliantly from a cagey start, hailing him as “such an ego, such a personality”.
When asked about Pogba’s performance in his post-match interview, Mourinho told BBC Sport: “It just shows the personality of the player.
“His first match, his first touch was a bad one and led to a counter-attack and a free-kick and an opportunity for the opponent but he was not affected. The boy is fantastic.”
He added: “He could have played 30 minutes more, he could have played extra-time, no problem.”
Reflecting on what proved to be a successful second debut for United, Pogba said: “It’s a great feeling. I was relaxed, didn’t have nerves and played my game.
“I came here to win, that is what I always wanted. It’s a top club.
“The first ball, I lost it, but got used to it. After that I felt better, touched the ball and played with the team.
“We dream big. United are a big club. I know we will do big things this season.”