One flash of genius was further proof that Paul Pogba is flourishing again and that his passing can be spellbinding. Pogba intercepted a loose ball from defence and wonderful dexterity and with barely a glance up he lofted a pinpoint ball over the back line to put Marcus Rashford in on goal. It was the most significant contribution of the game and showed a burgeoning understanding with the striker.

The finesse was extraordinary and it was matched by the England player’s cushioned control with his laces and confident finish. “That pass by Paul Pogba is great and the control by Marcus better,” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Manchester United caretaker manager, said.

United won a fifth consecutive away match in all competitions for the first time