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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Sam Meade

Paul Pogba's costly "natural reaction" vs West Ham has harmed Man Utd before

It was a case of deja vu for Paul Pogba and Manchester United after a shocking handball gifted West Ham a penalty at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils fought back to earn a draw meaning they go into the final day of the season needing to avoid defeat at Leicester.

But Pogba did little to help his side when he put his hands up to protect his face as a Declan Rice shot headed towards him.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “It was a natural reaction, he held his hand up knowing he should have taken it in the mush instead.”

Paul Pogba raised his hands to stop Declan Rice's shot hitting his face (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Pogba's reaction made it look as if it hit him square in the face, but after a VAR review it was clear he had handled the ball.

"He's in trouble, he's in big big trouble. That's rubbish from him," said Gary Neville on commentary.

But the Frenchman has committed similar offences before back in his first year at Old Trafford.

Against Liverpool in 2017 Pogba jumped up to head a ball but lead strongly with both arms raised and gave away a spot kick.

United battled back to draw that game 1-1, just like they did at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

Solskjaer admitted it was not the result his side wanted, but it still leaves them in a strong position ahead of Sunday's clash.

“Going into half time we knew that’s not the result we wanted and a draw or 1-0 win or 2-0 was the same outcome for us it would mean same starting point in Sunday," he said.

"We can’t expect to turn teams over and score three or five which is what we would have to have done to have a different scenario for Sunday.”

“We have a chance go there and if we can beat them big we will be delighted we have caught up with goal difference and we now need a point.

"Fantastic opportunity, we know we will play against a good team who are dangerous in different aspects and can do different things tactically. But we will enjoy the extra 24 hrs break we have this week compared to last.”

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