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late devils

Manchester United 2 Middlesbrough 1: WATCH HIGHLIGHTS – Paul Pogba’s late header seals with win as United come from behind to beat Boro

Grant Leadbitter's strike had set Middlesbrough on course for an unlikely win before late goals from Anthony Martial and Pogba snatched the points

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PAUL POGBA'S late header secured Manchester United's fifth straight league win as they came from behind to beat Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho's men looked to be slipping to their first defeat in nine games after Grant Leadbitter had fired Boro into a shock lead.

Paul Pogba powers his header home to snatch a late win for west Ham over Middlesbrough
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Paul Pogba powers his header home to snatch a late win for Man Utd over MiddlesbroughCredit: Reuters

But after wasting a series of chances to score, United finally clawed their way back into the game when Anthony Martial lashed home after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's knock-down on 85 minutes.


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And two minutes later Pogba directed a bullet header from Juan Mata's cross into the top corner to seal the victory that sends United level on points with fifth-placed Tottenham.

Anthony Martial levels the scores for united before they snatched a late win over Middlesbrough
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Anthony Martial levels the scores for united before they snatched a late win over MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty Images
Grant Leadbitter fires into the bottom corner to put Middlesbrough ahead at Manchester United
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Grant Leadbitter fires into the bottom corner to put Middlesbrough ahead at Manchester United

Grant Leadbitter wheels away in celebration after putting Boro one-up at Old Trafford
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Grant Leadbitter wheels away in celebration after putting Boro one-up at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters

 

 

FACTS, STATS, GOALS AND LOLS

  • It was a dreadful decision by referee Lee Mason to rule out Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s goal just before the break. Ibra there first and turned it in with clever flick, if anything Victor Valdes fouled him.
  • That decision denied him the chance to equal Lionel Messi’s record 51 goals for the calendar year of 2016.

 

Paul Pogba tries his luck with an overhead kick that rebounded off the post
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Paul Pogba tries his luck with an overhead kick that rebounded off the postCredit: Getty Images
Paul Pogba was unlucky to see his early bicycle kick strike the post
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Paul Pogba was unlucky to see his early bicycle kick strike the postCredit: Reuters
  • It really is time that refs were made to answer a couple of questions to TV after games to explain decisions.
  • Both sides made five changes yesterday which was understandable with them facing games on Monday.
  • It was still a surprise, however, that the centre-back pairing of Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones who had done so well recently were benched.
  • Anthony Martial looked intent on impressing with his speed, creativity and one cracking shot from 30 yards that came back off the post.
  • But there was no quicker man on the pitch than Middlesbrough’s Adam Traore. There is not always an end product but there can’t be a faster player in the Premier League.

 

Middlesbrough when he shot wide with Boro breaking three on one on a counter attack
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Adama Traore wasted a great chance fro Middlesbrough when he shot wide with Boro breaking three on one on a counter attackCredit: Reuters
  • Watching yesterday you can understand how Boro have enjoyed away draws at Arsenal Manchester City and Champions Leicester City with the way they sit back and try to stifle teams.
  • There was a couple of old faces back at Old Trafford yesterday with Fabio on the Boro bench and his brother Rafael, now at Lyon, watching from the directors box.

 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic beats Victor Valdes to the ball to turn his effort into the back of the net
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic beats Victor Valdes to the ball to turn his effort into the back of the netCredit: Reuters
Ibrahimovic was denied his goal after referee Lee Mason penalised him for a high foot
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Ibrahimovic was denied his goal after referee Lee Mason penalised him for a high footCredit: EPA
Ibrahimovic cannot believe ref Lee Mason has ruled out his goal against Middlesbrough
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Ibrahimovic cannot believe ref Lee Mason has ruled out his goal against MiddlesbroughCredit: Reuters
  • Mourinho had said in his programme notes that because he and Boro boss Aitor Karanka were close friends that the fourth official would have an easy afternoon. Not so as he berated Neil Swarbrick over Mason’s decisions on a number of occasions.
  • Grant Leadbitter’s 67th minute goal was well worked but a real kick in the teeth after the chances and possession United had.

The Big Picture

Chelsea are flying high at the top of the Premier League with Swansea rooted to the bottom
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Chelsea are flying high at the top of the Premier League with Swansea rooted to the bottomCredit: Premier League

Upcoming Fixtures

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