Pogba opens up about the Europa League final
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has provided a response to Wednesday’s Europa League final, having taken some time to reflect on our disappointing result in Gdansk, Poland.
Defeat in the European final was a difficult pill to swallow and particularly after a season in which the Reds have progressed under the guidance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, finishing second in the Premier League with more points and goals than we registered in the preceding campaign.
Pogba made his 41st appearance of the season when starting the match against Villarreal, initially operating in central midfield along the excellent Scott McTominay, before moving further forward late on as United attempted to find a way through a stubborn and well-organised defence.
90 in 20: Europa League final
The extended highlights of our loss to Villarreal, featuring that epic penalty shootout, are now available to watch...
Paul was replaced by Daniel James after 116 minutes and therefore wasn’t involved in the shootout, but he was quick to offer words of encouragement and support to his team-mates before the drama.
The Frenchman has posted an image of that huddle to his social media accounts, where he has offered words of reflection on a night that will provide added hunger to achieve success next season.
“I needed some days to reflect after the match,” writes Pogba to his followers.
“Of course, [I am] very upset not to win the final but we’re a team that will look forward with our heads held high. Thank you to all of the fans for the support. We will come back stronger.”
Shortly after Pogba's post, Bruno Fernandes published his own message to supporters and emphasised the importance of sticking together at this time.
“We win together and we lose together, when someone fails we all fail, when someone scores we all score, when someone does a save we all save... Always UNITED.”
REFLECTIONS ON THE FINAL
I needed some days to reflect after the match . Of course, very upset not to win the final but we’re a team that will look forward with our heads held high. Thank you to all of the fans for the support. We will come back stronger.
— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) May 28, 2021
𝐏𝐏𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 pic.twitter.com/FDdDs9JM7U
A defeat is always hard to take. We wanted it as much as any fan. We are very sad for not taking this trophy home. But with our heads held high, we will continue to fight together for United. ❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/9sc6wylrW2
— Fred Rodrigues (@Fred08oficial) May 27, 2021
Minor setbacks - major comebacks.
— Brandon Williams (@branwilliams) May 27, 2021
Win or lose we stick together as ONE ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Hsxyzl941m
Frustrated by last night match. These are not easy times. Thanks to all the fans for your support in good times and bad.
— Eric Bailly (@ericbailly24) May 27, 2021
It's time to rest with the family and come back stronger. 🔴 pic.twitter.com/zl7oSts3d6
WE win and WE lose. Always together. Always with you. @D_DeGea @ManUtd 🔴 pic.twitter.com/xLVjLrpCZo
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) May 27, 2021
To fall and rise. Learn from the experience, fight again and win. @ManUtd Thanks for your support pic.twitter.com/4AnLNGRA9A
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) May 27, 2021
Duele el alma, pero el único remedio es seguir adelante muchachos.
— Edi Cavani Official (@ECavaniOfficial) May 27, 2021
It breaks my heart, but the only way is to keep moving forward lads.@ManUtd pic.twitter.com/r7lCTjBmAP
Win together - Lose together.
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) May 27, 2021
Everybody is hurt, this club is about winning. #UNITED 🔴 pic.twitter.com/oV59gvzZHn