August 11, 2019. Old Trafford welcomes the start of the Premier League with a clash between two giants – Manchester United and Chelsea. The focus is on Paul Pogba, who has been the subject of transfer rumours all summer. He stays – and starts. From the very beginning of the match, there was a sense of anticipation and excitement in the stands. Manchester United fans filled the stadium, ready to support their team in this important match. There was an air of hope in the air that the team would be able to show their best football and regain the lost ground. Pogba, as always, found himself in the centre of the action. From the first minutes, he actively participated in the attacking actions, demonstrating his technique and vision of the field. His pass at the beginning of the match led to the first dangerous moment at the Chelsea goal. However, the visiting defenders were at their best and managed to prevent a shot on goal.
Chelsea, in turn, were not going to give up without a fight. The team under new manager Frank Lampard also had ambitions. Young players such as Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham were eager to prove themselves at a high level. Their energy and desire to attack posed a threat to the United defence. In the 18th minute, there was a moment that will long be remembered by the fans. Pogba, having received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, brilliantly beat two defenders and shot at goal. Unfortunately, his shot hit the post. The stadium exploded with cheers, but soon turned into disappointment. However, this did not break the team’s spirit. United continued to press their opponents, creating more and more chances. In the 32nd minute, after a corner, Pogba was again at the forefront of the attack, but his header went straight into the hands of the Chelsea goalkeeper. The fans began to worry: was their favourites’ luck turning away?.
Chelsea responded with a quick counter-attack that led to the first goal of the match. After a precise pass from Jorginho, Tammy Abraham found himself one-on-one with De Gea and, showing composure, sent the ball into the net. Old Trafford froze at 0:1. It was an unpleasant shock for United, which forced the team to pull itself together. The counter-attack was not long in coming. Pogba, inspired by the support of the stands, began to actively join the attacks. In the 43rd minute, he shot again, but the Chelsea goalkeeper was in place. The first half ended with a minimal advantage for the visitors, and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had something to think about at the break. The second half began with renewed energy for United. Solskjaer made several substitutions, bringing on fresh players who were supposed to add speed and creativity. In the 55th minute, after a combination, Pogba finally found a way to the goal. His pass to Markus Rashford was blocked by the defenders, but this led to a corner.
The fateful moment came in the 68th minute, when Pogba, having received the ball in the center of the field, made a run and passed to Rashford, who tied the score at 1:1 from close range. The stadium exploded with joy, and now United felt much more confident. In the remaining time of the match, both teams were looking for a victory. Chelsea tried to counter-attack, but the Manchester United defense showed resilience. Pogba continued to move forward, creating chances, and in the 85th minute, his efforts were rewarded. He shot at the goal himself, but the ball again hit the defender.The match ended in a 1:1 draw. Although United could not win, their game left many positive impressions. Pogba had shown his importance to the team and the fans took away with them hopes of a successful season. Old Trafford was alive again and the upcoming matches promised to be no less exciting.
In the 67th minute, Pogba receives the ball in his own half and immediately notices Rashford’s run. He makes a perfect long pass – a one-touch pass across the entire field, right into the area for a run. Rashford gets away from the defender and makes it 3-0. It was a moment that became the highlight of the match and showed how important Pogba is to the team. After this goal, the stands were filled with enthusiastic screams from the fans. The stadium was filled with joyful emotions, and the United players felt how confidence returned to their game. Pogba, raising his hands to the sky, ran towards Rashford to celebrate this success together. This goal was the result of excellent teamwork and understanding between the players. Chelsea, finding themselves in a difficult situation, began to look for ways to regain control of the game. Lampard, seeing that his team was losing the initiative, made a number of substitutions, bringing on more experienced players to strengthen the attack. The youngsters, although full of energy, could not always cope with the pressure of experienced opponents.
However, United were not going to rest on their laurels. They continued to attack, using every chance to increase their advantage. A real fight broke out on the pitch, and every player gave everything. Pogba continued to show his creativity, organizing attacks and creating space for his teammates. In the 75th minute, after another combination, Pogba had another opportunity to score. He received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, beat the defender and seemed ready to take a shot, but at the last moment he decided to pass. This choice caused a storm of emotions in the stadium – some fans were puzzled why he did not shoot himself, but those who understood his game knew that he was always looking for the best option for the team. Chelsea tried to organize counterattacks, but United’s defense worked well together. Every move of the players was thought out, and they easily dealt with the pressure of the opponent. De Gea was at his best as always, making several brilliant saves that allowed the goal to remain intact.
In the 81st minute, United created another dangerous moment. Pogba, having received the ball on the left flank, moved along the line with it, beating the defenders, and made a cross into the penalty area. This time Rashford could not hit the ball, but Martinez was there in time, who sent the ball into the goal with an elegant header. 4:0 – and Old Trafford exploded with joy again! Chelsea, realizing that there was almost no chance of salvation, rushed into the attack. Lampard made the last changes, and the team began to act more aggressively. In the last quarter of the match, they were able to create several dangerous moments, but De Gea was again at his best, parrying shots and maintaining his team’s confidence. Time passed, and United continued to control the game. Pogba became more and more visible on the pitch, organizing attacks and controlling the ball. In the 88th minute, he got a chance to take a free kick, but his shot was too high and the ball flew over the crossbar. Even at this moment, he did not lose confidence and continued to motivate his teammates.
The match ended with a crushing score of 4:0 in favor of Manchester United. This result was significant, not only in terms of points, but also in terms of returning confidence after an unsuccessful season. Pogba, as a true leader, was at the center of the celebration, and his joy was shared by all the players. The fans left the stadium with smiles on their faces, discussing the great play of their team. Pogba became a symbol of this victory, and his name was on the lips of every fan. New matches and challenges awaited ahead, but with such a start, one could look to the future with optimism. United are back and that night at Old Trafford will forever be etched in the memory of all who witnessed it.
In the 81st minute, Pogba is back in the thick of things. He moves the ball towards the penalty area, gets past one defender, passes another and passes to Daniel James, who scores the fourth goal. The stadium is jubilant – 4:0. This goal was the culmination of a great combination that demonstrated the team spirit and individual skill of the Manchester United players. Daniel James, who had just come on as a substitute, was instantly in the right place at the right time.
Chelsea, finding themselves in a difficult position, tried to find a way to respond to the crushing score. Lampard made more substitutions, putting on more experienced players. They began to act more aggressively, trying to create at least one goal of consolation. However, United’s defense was at its best, and every shot towards the goal was met with a furious rebuff. In the 85th minute, Chelsea still managed to create a dangerous moment.