Manchester United returned to winning ways in style on Saturday as they came from a goal down to beat Newcastle United 4-1 at Old Trafford.
The visitors silenced a vociferous home crowd when they grabbed the lead in the 14th minute, thanks to Dwight Gayle’s precise shot. But, their joy didn’t last long, Anthony Martial headed in Paul Pogba’s cross before the hosts grabbed the lead going into half-time as Chris Smalling converted from Ashley Young’s pinpoint cross.
Manchester United then grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck as Pogba finished a fine counter attacking move early on in the second half, before Romelu Lukaku rounded off the win sixteen minutes later. And as the Belgian striker ended his scoring drought for the Red Devils, fans heaved a huge sigh of relief.
I’ve never seen a player channel all his frustrations into a finish like that one. Lukaku ???
— Psalmy (@7salmy) November 18, 2017
Lukaku’s goal!
Bangs it in with full power ? pic.twitter.com/5joogRxT0j
— Man Utd Channel (@ManUtdChannel) November 18, 2017
That Lukaku’s Goal though, The way he took the shot I thought he was gonna miss it, Instead of placing the ball comfortably, The Man Wanted to tear the net ??? #MUNNEW
— Enekem ? (@EnekemGreg) November 18, 2017
That Lukaku drought was 3(?) games shorter than RVP in the #20 season by the way.
— James Stubbs (@Stubbs89) November 18, 2017
Zlatan Ibrahimovic made a surprise return to action on the night, and fans celebrated his comeback.
You’re 36 years old, you’ve just had a serious knee injury, you’ve made it back in record time and your first attempt on goal is you lying sideways in the air performing a martial arts styled kick. The guy might actually be right when he says he’s not human. Dare to Zlatan.
— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) November 18, 2017
Superb to see Zlatan Ibrahimović back playing football for Manchester United. Great player to have in the dressing room. Proper leader.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) November 18, 2017
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is back for Manchester United just 7 months after rupturing his ACL. Animal. pic.twitter.com/5wnj2RXnRV
— Zlatan Ibrahimovic (@ZlatanHQ) November 18, 2017
Zlatan’s first shot after coming back: an acrobatic effort ?
The lion is incredible ? pic.twitter.com/E2FgHfVz8o
— Man Utd Channel (@ManUtdChannel) November 18, 2017
36 years old.
Ruptured his ACL.
Many saying his career was over.
Makes his comeback on one of the biggest stages in football after just 212 days.
Attempts an acrobatic kick.“Lions don’t compare themselves to humans”
? Zlatan Ibrahimovic. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/y2QQ4uMDLc
— Busby Bulletin (@BusbyBulletin) November 18, 2017
And he is back. King ? of Old Trafford.#zlatan pic.twitter.com/v28LToCEx7
— Clark Joseph Kent (@SemperFiUtd) November 18, 2017
But, the name on everyone’s lips was Paul Pogba, another comeback man for the hosts, as he inspired the fantastic win for Manchester United.
4-1! Lukaku.
Pogba comes back and United score 4 in a game for the first time since 30 Sep.
Not a coincidence. pic.twitter.com/dppEMXJeaD
— The Peoples Person (@PeoplesPerson_) November 18, 2017
Think it’s phenomenal how Pogba can be out for 13 games but come back without any rust and run the game for Manchester United. A goal and an assist for him. Back to winning ways.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) November 18, 2017
Paul Pogba | The main man is back.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/Au1J62kC2P
— Man Utd Update (@MufcDevilUpdate) November 18, 2017
Manchester United with Paul Pogba this season:
Played: 6
Won: 5
Lost: 0
Scored: 19#Pogback pic.twitter.com/UDmCs9GooH— 8 Fact United (@8FactUnited) November 18, 2017
Absolutely no coincidence Pogba returns and United start playing captivating football again. Elevates teammates to a different level. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 18, 2017
#Pogback in Style ? pic.twitter.com/agvFipnZnE
— Osas Cruz (@OsasCruz) November 18, 2017