Pogba penalty run-up: The French midfielder was once sent-off due to his unique style of taking the penalty.
Manchester United secured another three points in the Premier League, and a second consecutive league win, as Jose Mourinho’s side emerged 2-1 winners over Bournemouth.
Anthony Martial scored his fifth goal in the last four league games, while Marcus Rashford scored an injury-time winner, off a terrific cross from Paul Pogba to secure three points for United.
Even after Paul Pogba has been giving solid performances for Manchester United off late, his penalty run-up has dominated headlines over the last week.
However, the run-up was all that was talked about on social media platforms after the game against Everton. Paul Pogba took 26 steps to complete his penalty, and has taken 92 steps in his last four penalties combined.
Pogba penalty run-up:
It seems incredible, but the French has once been sent-off for his penalty taking style during his time at Manchester United.
This happened in a U17 game against Liverpool during the FA Youth Cup. Paul Pogba lined up for the penalty, and his trademark stuttering run-up was followed by a brief halt.
The Liverpool goalkeeper had already dived, and Pogba simply rolled the ball towards the opposite corner. The referee, however, deemed Pogba’s way of taking the penalty as unsporting, and showed him a yellow card.
Remember when Pogba was sent off (2nd yellow) for his penalty v Liverpool in the youth cup? Was doing his slow run up even then 🐢 pic.twitter.com/vFECQYaJZ1
— Darren Williams (@byDarren) September 19, 2018
The French midfielder was already booked earlier in the game, and was hence sent off.
United, however, secured a win against their arch-rivals as they came from behind to beat Liverpool 3-2.
It is been reported by the English outlets that Pogba’s penalty run-up is under scrutiny, as FIFA is preparing to make a number of changes to the way penalties can be taken.
Watching LFC MUFC Youth Cup tie. United’s Paul Pogba sent off for 2nd bookable offence – a “shuffle” penalty run-up. 10 v 10. LFC 2-1 up
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKayTimes) March 13, 2011
Pogba, meanwhile, after the game against Everton, maintained that this is how he had always taken his penalties, but admitted that he needs to change his approach.
“I always try to destabilize the keeper, I always shoot like this, that’s how I know how to take the penalty. Maybe I practice to change it because maybe the keeper start to know my step,” Pogba said.
“Goalkeepers are starting to know my penalties so I might have to change. I don’t like to just clear the ball but it’s true I must do that sometimes so the team can push up.
Pogba’s penalty run up actually hinders his chances of scoring. Gives the keeper more time to read it and puts more focus on Pogba. He’s got the technique. Ditch the gimmick and don’t give the keeper a chance
— Wark Woldbridge (@markgoldbridge) October 29, 2018
“I was lucky with the penalty but most important is the goal went in it was good for us and for me and we had other chances but most important was the win.”
