Antonio Valencia returned from an injury to score while Paul Pogba continued to prove his worth as Manchester United defeated Stoke City 3-0 in their Premier League clash to reduce gap against runaway leaders Manchester City after the Citizens were defeated at Anfield, yet again.
Anthony Martial had a goal and an assist while Pogba set up two goals in the first half itself as the Red Devils spoilt Potter’s party of new coach.
Valencia, who was back after a 6-match injury lay off, picked up a pass from Pogba, cut inside Josh Tymon and bent a shot inside the far post from his weaker foot to give Mourinho’s side the lead in just the 9th minute.
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Potters however stunned everyone with three good goal chances before United doubled their lead with a classy goal from Martial. The move started from their own half as Valencia won possession before giving it to Lukaku who cut it back for Pogba. Pogba then had the eagle’s view to spot Martial, who buried in his a curler in the 38th minute.
Restarting 2-0 after the break, it was the turn of Belgium striker to get something for himself. Lukaku, sealed the game in the 72nd minute with an assist from Anthony Martial.
With United frontline back at destruction addition of Alexis Sanchez they would look more threatening. Just give it a thought, Paul Pogba, Alexis Sanchez, Zlatan Ibrahimoviv and Romelu Lukaku to lead a strike force.
The win meant that United reduced Manchester City’s lead at the top to 12 points after the runaway leaders failed to break their Anfield hoodoo, losing 4-3 to Liverpool.