Man United thrashing Fenerbahce: 5 things you may have missed 1

Manchester United emphatically got their Europa League campaign back on track on Thursday night with a 4-1 rout of Fenerbahce.

Penalties from Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial within five minutes of the half-hour mark got things started, before Pogba added a spectacular second on the stroke of half-time. After the break, Jesse Lingard got his first European goal to cap an extremely comfortable night for Jose Mourinho’s men.

With the likes of Michael Carrick and Luke Shaw also putting in assured performances on their return to the starting XI, it was a good night for the Red Devils all around. But, amidst all the goals, there were a few things fans may have missed.

ROBIN VAN PERSIE’S RECEPTION

Van Persie was returning to Old Trafford for the first time since leaving in 2015 and it is fair to say United fans were happy to see him.

The Dutchman heard his famous ‘Oh, Robin van Persie’ chant sung as the teams walked out the tunnel as well as at various points during the game.

A STAR-STUDDED DIRECTOR’S BOX

It might not have been the most high profile of games to have ever taken place at Old Trafford, but the big names were still in attendance in the director’s box.

Former England manager Sam Allardyce was there alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, whilst Roberto Martinez was also there – presumably disappointed to see Marouane Fellaini on the bench.

Also there was a player who is fast becoming the forgotten man under Jose Mourinho – Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

POGBA RUN UP

Paul Pogba’s run up for his penalty brought back memories of Italy star Simone Zaza’s embarrassing attempt at Euro 2016.

However, Pogba himself has previous when it comes to the stutter run up – he did it with great effect for the Manchester United youth team during his original stint at the club.

HISTORY MAKERS

United fans, and even Mourinho himself, may tell you they’re not too bothered about the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the club still managed to make history against Fenerbahce by welcoming the biggest ever crowd (just over 71,000) to watch a group stage game in the competition.

NEW CELEBRATION

With two goals in 15 minutes, Paul Pogba had to make sure his celebrations were as fresh as his ever-changing haircuts.

So, when he bagged his impressive second, he and dab partner Jesse Lingard broke out a new celebration for fans to enjoy.