Pogba stars as ManU thrash Leicester

But if he continues to struggle and Manchester United play better without him – having Juan Mata further up the pitch and an option to feed instead of Rooney dropping back and taking some of the distributor responsibilities from Paul Pogba was huge – then Mourinho will have to reconsider who is in his first XI, playing in the Red Devils’ biggest matches.

The England striker came on after 83 minutes to applause and played on the left wing.

Captain Wayne Rooney was dropped to the bench for the clash in one of four alterations made by Mourinho. “Sometimes when I read you (in the media), I feel I know nothing about football”.

Everton lost their first Premier League game of the season 1-0 after being tormented once again by Bournemouth’s Junior Stanislas. “His first step, second step in the box is so good and that is why he is one of the best strikers in the world but I want to help him improve his game”.

“Because I know the rules of the game”.

All the same, Mourinho is entitled to think his team selection was justified, given the margin of victory and that blitz in the first period when his side scored all their goals and looked equipped to add even more.

Free-scoring Liverpool’s burgeoning title challenge was given further impetus with a merciless 5-1 thrashing of 10-man Hull City at Anfield. Chris Smalling, who succeeded Rooney as captain, had begun the rout with a header after 22 minutes. When they are not 100 percent, I always think that in these hard moments – when you really feel you have to win the match – I prefer always to go with players who are 100 percent ready, from their physical and mental point of view. Mourinho insisted that he had a good feeling before the Leicester game despite that run.

Speaking after the game, he claimed his side were very strong.

Leicester imploded defensively as United racked up four goals between the 22nd and 42nd minutes. Raheem Sterling grabbed the other goal for City and the only blot was the sight of playmaker Kevin De Bruyne limping off late on with an apparent hamstring injury.

Neville said: “Pogba was instrumental in that first half”.

South Korea’s Son Heung-Min scored twice as Tottenham Hotspur, without injured England star Harry Kane, won 2-1 away to Middlesbrough.

The Saturday clash was the first time this season that the Red Devils have played without Rooney in the league, and the difference was nearly palpable.

The visitors were fortunate to escape with a point after Stoke dominated the second half and scored with a 73rd-minute strike from Joe Allen.

Striker Christian Benteke scored a stoppage-time victor as Crystal Palace came back from a two-goal deficit to beat Sunderland 3-2 in the Premier League after Jermain Defoe had given the hosts a brace.