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Pogba thanks Mourinho, teammates for keeping him on spot-kick duty

Midfielder Paul Pogba has thanked his manager and teammates for their trust in him and allowing him to remain Manchester United's first-choice penalty taker.

Goals from Pogba, a stunner in the 35th minute and a spot-kick converted just before half-time, helped United overcome a difficult start to beat Young Boys 3-0 in Bern in their opening Champions League Group H game yesterday morning (Singapore time).

It was United's first penalty since Pogba had one saved by Joe Hart in the win at Burnley earlier this month, Sky Sports reported.

"I didn't have doubts about taking the penalty," said Pogba, who was grateful he was allowed to retain the responsibility.

"Joe (Hart) got me that time, but I won't do the same mistake.

"I had the confidence as well of the players and the manager. They let me take it, so I should thank them for this."

United manager Jose Mourinho was impressed with the courage shown by his star and told MUTV: "I like his courage to take a penalty after one that he missed. I like that.

"He missed against Burnley. The next penalty the team have, he is there to take it, to make it 2-0 and to kill the game for us."

Anthony Martial rounded out the win by marking his first start in a month with his first goal since January.

United ended up thoroughly deserving their victory against a team who had won nine out of 10 games this season and were determined to impress on their Champions League group-stage debut.

"Yes I'm happy," Mourinho said of the win.

"I understand the reasons why we didn't start the game very well. They know how difficult it is for opponents to play on this pitch, so they forced a little bit and created some problems.

"But the goal changed everything and after that we were totally in control. So important for us to start with the victory."

The Portuguese also praised left-back Luke Shaw and teenage right-back Diogo Dalot, who was making his debut, reported Manchester Evening News.

"Diogo and Luke played very, very well," Mourinho said.

"Our danger came from both of them, they had fantastic movement, they had depth, they had crosses, they had assists, they were involved in the most dangerous actions and they defended also well. So both were very, very good."

Young Boys coach Gerardo Seoane hailed his team's effort, but added that they paid for not capitalising on their good start.

"We played very well in the first period," he said.

"But when you're not effective against Manchester United, you pay. If you do not take your chances against a team of this calibre, they will punish you… and that is exactly what happened. It is hard for us."

Football