Manchester United trailed Crystal Palace 1-0 at half-time of their Premier League fixture on Monday Night, after conceding a goal that could easily have been prevented.
Andros Townsend scored for Palace after 11 minutes at Selhurst Park, and the home side were good value for their lead. The former Tottenham winger curled a first-time shot, which deflected off Victor Lindelof, past David de Gea to give Palace a valuable goal in their fight to remain in the top flight.
From the perspective of Roy Hodgson’s side, it was a well-worked goal. Luka Milivojevic collected the ball in midfield and fizzed a pass into space for Christian Benteke to chase. The Belgian striker cut inside Chris Smalling, and squared it off for Townsend at the edge of the area. A well-executed goal scored on the counter-attack.
However, the United players didn’t cover themselves in glory for the goal, particularly Paul Pogba. The French midfielder was the one who lost the ball that began the move, hitting a long pass which was intercepted by Palace. With Milivojevic on the ball in midfield, and United’s defence turning back towards their own goal, Pogba’s first thought should have been to get back into position and help his teammates.
No chance. He stood ball-watching.
He had the best seat in the house for Palace’s break.
And didn’t look once towards the big empty space in front of him, or take a glance over his shoulder to see Townsend.
Still not looking. Still completely unaware of his opponent over his shoulder.
Townsend is calling for the ball. Benteke has time to get his head up and pick out the winger.
Again, Pogba is completely oblivious to Townsend. And, for someone who is meant to be a brilliant athlete, he can’t even be bothered sprinting back.
Paul spots him now. But it’s too late.
Now he runs.
Goal.
Of course, it’s not Pogba’s fault alone for the goal, and Palace worked the move very well. But the French midfielder was extremely poor, and once again showed that he lacks tactical intelligence and doesn’t appear to be willing to work hard to overcome this deficiency in his game.
He displayed this in the defeat to Spurs in January, and will continue to do so.
