Paul Pogba, Lukaku score as Man Utd beat Newcastle

Paul Pogba scored for Manchester United on his return from injury
Photo: Premier League

Paul Pogba scored on his return from injury as Manchester United came from behind to beat Newcastle United and set a club record of 38 games unbeaten at Old Trafford.

Dwight Gayle gave the visitors a surprise lead when a slip by Victor Lindelof let in the striker to score in off the post.

Pogba, back after nine weeks out with a hamstring injury, crossed for Anthony Martial to head the equaliser before Chris Smalling met Ashley Young’s centre on the stroke of half-time.

Pogba finished off a fine team move before Romelu Lukaku’s first league goal since 30 September sealed a fine win.

Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic came off the bench for the final 14 minutes after seven months out with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Mourinho brings swagger back to Man Utd

After two defeats in three league games, Jose Mourinho’s side turned on the style to ensure they remain eight points behind leaders Manchester City.

READ: Man City beat resilient Leicester City 2-0

The Belgian striker played a one-two with @JuanMata8 before thumping home a powerful finish. Game, set, match! 💥 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/IeGuB2XvNc

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 18, 2017

This was a performance peppered with quality goals and attacking prowess, while there was a swagger about the way United picked off Newcastle after the visitors became the first team to score a league goal at Old Trafford this season.

Lindelof slipped trying to deal with DeAndre Yedlin’s cut-back, allowing Gayle to stroke home.

Reaction to today's win from the #MUTV commentary box… pic.twitter.com/ClnsaU8ZCr

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 18, 2017

Jacob Murphy went close to doubling the lead before the hosts found their stride and took control with two headed goals in the final eight minutes of the half.

Pogba eased past Isaac Hayden before crossing for Martial to equalise, then Smalling scored from close range.

Pogba’s simple tap-in capped a sublime move involving Juan Mata, Lukaku and Marcus Rashford, before Lukaku smashed home the fourth.

United lost their record as the only side in Europe’s five major leagues not to concede a top-flight goal at home, but they showed they are back to their ruthless best in front of goal.