Patrick Rees
With Manchester City finally being beaten and Chelsea playing a stalemate at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United needed to be at their brilliant best and a stunning 3-0 win over Stoke underlined why they can still be considered as the title favourites.
Although the difference is still a whopping 12 points, you never know what lies in store and optimism is the best key, to say the least. As things stand for the Champions League qualification, the victory took United three points clear off the third and fourth-placed Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.
An utterly dominant display from Paul Pogba saw the Frenchman get two assists to his name, which took his tally this season to an impressive 9 assists. It all started in as early as the 9th minute when Pogba released Antonio Valencia on the right-wing. Cutting into the area, the Ecuadorian took the ball on to his left and fired an absolute venom which literally left Jack Butland completely red-faced. You simply cannot stop those.
United were simply the better side from the first whistle and although they had a couple of nervy moments, the likes of Phil Jones and David de Gea made sure they kept their post clean. However, Chris Smalling seemed to struggle to deal with Stoke attackers.
As far as Stoke are concerned, Stephen Ireland – who started his first game since April 2015 – received a couple of opportunities, but the former Manchester City man fired all his attempts wide.
David de Gea, on the other hand, denied Xherdan Shaqiri and substitute Mame Biram Diouf in either half, while Phil Jones made one brilliant block off Choupo-Moting’s goal-bound attempt. United, however, doubled their lead and it was Pogba again who made it possible. The France international found Anthony Martial standing completely unmarked right outside the penalty area and the 22-year-old bent in a superb finish.
Heading into the final 20 minutes, United added the final nail to Stoke’s coffin when Romelu Lukaku found the net with a low drive.
“Stoke bought players to play football. They were not afraid to play and they created us problems in the first half, said Mourinho after the game.
“I didn’t watch Liverpool beat Manchester City [on Sunday]. It doesn’t change anything – the distance is an important distance.
“I have been there before. They have their destiny in their hands.”
United were simply irresistible, yet defender Chris Smalling somehow seemed like Manchester United’s weakest link. This is how the fans reacted to the defender’s display:
Look at Smalling, someone get him out my club please.
— JustVic (@_VSimmons) January 15, 2018
We go swap Smalling for Alexis like this pic.twitter.com/tC6hRz9WB6
— Wellington (@kodart_) January 15, 2018
Though it was a good clean sheet victory over Stoke City…the defence department of Manchester United can’t stop Chelsea or Man City.the lads were poor with the inclusion of Smalling
— Sammie10030891 (@Sammie100308911) January 16, 2018
Do quick and leave my club
— Donpapajay (@Certified_Jerry) January 16, 2018
Please stop playing ‘players’ and play the ball instead 😕
— Souleymane Jr (@souleymaneyeo88) January 16, 2018
Mate, why are you so scared of the ball? 😢
— Jonny Blobbins (@Jonny_Blobbins) January 15, 2018
Stop it… He can’t reach Baily’s standards leave alone ferdinand
— kelvin kinyanjui (@Qevoh254) January 16, 2018
Furthermore, there were some wise words for Romelu Lukaku as well,
When Pogba plays well he’s reminded It’s not a big game! When Lukaku scores, he’s reminded the game either has been won or it’s not a big game! The fact remains that Man Utd’s £180m was well spent! #TuesdayMotivation
— Foralex Bartholomew (@Just_Barth) January 16, 2018
Go on then, lukaku has scored the winner in 2 league games v Brighton & B’mouth, Sterling also v B’mouth, plus Soton & Newcastle…..similarities spelt out now?
— Don Simon (@slwinnard) January 16, 2018
Routine win tonight. Sluggish at times. Great goals. Lukaku looks keen – great performance from him and much sharper. Pogba and Martial brilliant. Shaw and Valencia gave fantastic support. Another steady game from Luke. 12 points – we’re coming for you 😁
— Anna_MUFC (@mufc_anna) January 15, 2018
Romelu Lukaku deserves the plaudits tonight. Link up play was fantastic as he brought others into the game. Great goal. Going about his business silently.
Some other strikers are going through droughts but you won’t hear about that too much.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) January 15, 2018
But Lukaku doesn’t have a 1st touch……..? pic.twitter.com/leh2ztGn4S
— Dale (@Dale_MUFC_) January 15, 2018
Martial has 10 goals already, Rashford has 9, Lukaku has 17 but we are being told they are not fairing well under Mourinho. The human mind is a strange place. 😂😂😂😂
— Babanla (@biolakazeem) January 15, 2018
