Manchester United's resurgence under Ole Gunnar Solskjær continues. The Red Devils travelled to Newcastle tonight for their Premier League clash and secured a 2-0 victory thanks to second-half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford yet fans were left fuming at a poor studs-up challenge from Jonjo Shelvey on Paul Pogba.
In a striking similarity to his own career, Solskjaer managed to inspire Lukuku to be the super sub they needed as the Belgian scored just a minute after coming on. However, following the goal there was a controversial incident as English midfielder Shelvey lept in on Pogba, enraging the visiting fans.
Shelvey drags his studs down the back of Pogba‘s leg and doesn’t even get a yellow, let alone the red is could’ve got. This ref is on one. Atrocious performance from him tonight.
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) January 2, 2019
Judge a referee on his position and not just his decisions. Was Marriner in a good enough position to show Shelvey the appropriate card there? Yes.
— Tom McDermott (@MrTomMcDermott) January 2, 2019
Yes, I think Pogba has a right to be angry with Shelvey. That was nasty. pic.twitter.com/kNHNTyJK0X
— Dan 𝐂𝐡𝐢sholm 🇺🇦 (@radiothechis) January 2, 2019
I was just thinking: how come Shelvey isn’t at a more successful club? Then he provided the answer with a gratuitous rake of his studs down Pogba’s leg for which he should’ve been ordered off... @ManUtd
— George Galloway (@georgegalloway) January 2, 2019
Red all day from Shelvey that. Knee-breaker.
— Adam Sweeney (@AdamWSweeney) January 2, 2019
Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher said: "he should be off the pitch for that, Shelvey."
Referee Andre Marriner did speak to the Frenchman after the incident, who was visibly outraged at the tackle. Pogba took revenge shortly after crashing into his opponent late just prior to Man United doubled their advantage.
The result caps a superb run of form for Man United since the sacking of Jose Mourinho. The club are now within touching distance of fifth place Arsenal, with fixtures against Reading in the FA Cup, Spurs Brighton and Burnley to come.
