Jose Mourinho Describes Paul Pogba as 'Different Class' After 4-1 Win Over Newcastle

Jose Mourinho was understandably upbeat after his Manchester United side beat Newcastle 4-1 at Old Trafford to remain second in the Premier League, hailing the returning Paul Pogba as the hero.

Goals from Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling, Pogba and Romelu Lukaku sealed the win despite a resilient first-half Newcastle performance.

Mourinho spoke to the club website about the impact of his returning midfield maestro after two months out on the sidelines.

"He was different class. He looked like he wasn't out for such a long time without playing football. He affects our football. With him we have much more creation. I am so happy, so let's see the decision for Wednesday."

Mourinho also singled out Lukaku for praise after he ended his goal drought with his first goal in five games.

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"He is a striker and strikers like to score goals. It is not a problem for me if he works like he does and he doesn't score goals but, for the self-confidence, strikers love to score goals. 

"He was not doing that for us for a few matches and I know that can affect strikers' confidence, so I was really happy that he scored that goal."

Addressing the game as a whole, Mourinho added: "The result, the three points, the performance after the Newcastle goal, that mentality to react without panic in a positive way, and obviously the return of injured players is nice."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic also made a late cameo after recovering early from his knee ligament injury, and Mourinho was delighted to see the Swede on the pitch again.

"To see him back is a great emotion. It was a joy for everyone but for all of us that stayed close to such a professional with one of the biggest injuries in football, it was more than that; it was a big emotion to see that for the big guy."