DBasia.news – Paul Pogba came to the attention when Manchester United drew 1-1 against West Ham United at Old Trafford on Thursday (7/23) morning. But the spotlight aimed at the Frenchman this time has a negative meaning.
Pogb did a silly act when blocking Declan Rice’s hard kick with his hand. It must be paid handsomely because Manchester United were given a penalty.
The moment occurred at the end of the first half in a free kick situation for West Ham. Declan Rice, who was the executor, fired hard at goal against David De Gea.
But the hard kick was directed at the face of Pogba who was on guard in the penalty box. He then reflexively raised his hand to protect his face.
When seen directly, the ball looks like a face. But after being helped by VAR, it was finally clear that Pogba raised his hand just before the ball hit his face.
The penalty prize was finally executed perfectly by Michail Antonio. He outwitted De Gea to bring the visitors to the lead.
Pogba reportedly admitted his mistake and apologized. This was confirmed directly by the captain of Manchester United, Harry Maguire.
“You could say it’s a natural reaction from Paul. He probably should have let the ball hit the face. But he apologized, raising his hand because he realized he shouldn’t do that,” Maguire told Sky Sports.
Pogba’s ridiculous actions were also tolerated by the manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He considers this to be a mere reflex and no intentional element.
“Paul raises his hand despite knowing he should receive the ball with his face. But it is a natural reaction if the ball flies towards you at one hundred miles per hour,” Solskjaer said.
Luckily Pogba’s silly actions were not too fatal. Manchester United is able to equalize through Mason Greenwood.
An additional one point is also enough to bring Manchester United pushed into third place. You can imagine what kind of blasphemy Pogba would have received had the situation had just happened otherwise.