Paul Pogba Helping to Build the Bond Between Manchester United’s Team and Fans

OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER, ENGLAND — Paul Pogba’s first touch in his second spell in a United shirt was a miscontrolled pass that led to a Southampton counter-attack. His second, though, was a good deal better, a brawny leap which saw him win a header over a Southampton player’s head.

It was greeted with an enormous cheer by an Old Trafford that fizzed with noise and atmosphere in a way that was only very occasionally the case last season. That buzz was reflective of the huge expectation surrounding Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United.

Real buzz around Old Trafford tonight. Fans definitely more positive ! Next home game is a big one !! #mufc pic.twitter.com/nIcySbu3PT

— Mairead (@ciarandigs) August 19, 2016

It was palpable from before the game. Many of the fans who gathered around the statue of George Best, Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton before the game sported “Zlatan 9” or “Pogba 6” shirts. Anthony Martial was represented here and there, and one optimistic soul had plumped for this season’s kit with “Memphis 7” on the back. If that pays off he can claim great foresight.

But United’s new high-profile signings were, understandably, by far the most well represented on the backs of replica shirts.

So happy. Proper enjoyable night that. Place was rocking, everyone was happy, and we put in another solid performance. Delighted.

— Lee (@Lee20495) August 19, 2016

After three years United fans can be forgiven for treating optimism with a little caution. Indeed, there was great hope for Louis van Gaal’s first campaign, particularly after Angel Di Maria’s arrival. This, though, feels very different. Van Gaal was unproven in the Premier League. Radamel Falcao turned out to be a busted flush in a way which Zlatan Ibrahimovic very clearly is not.

And Pogba looks delighted to be back in Manchester, allaying rumours that his preferred destination was Real Madrid, per Guillem Balague of Sky Sports. Mourinho’s record, of course, speaks for itself.

Once the crowd assembled inside the stadium, the expectation was even more tangible. There was raucous noise before kick-off. The manager had spoken ahead of the game about the importance of the bond between the fans and the team, per Manchester Evening News. The crowd had clearly taken this to heart.

As had the new superstars, who are clearly doing their part in ensuring that bond is formed.

Pogba received a very warm welcome and took time out from pre-kick off chats with his team-mates to run over to the Sir Alex Ferguson stand and applaud the supporters. Ibrahimovic, as he had done against Bournemouth, made a point of acknowledging the fans’ applause with a salute of his own after both of his goals.

After the game, many United players mentioned the fans on their social media accounts.

Gracias a los fans x el apoyo d este comienzo,thank you very …

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