Smile is back on Paul Pogba's face after Manchester United star ends goal drought

World Cup winner focusing on FA Cup and Europa League after scoring for the first time in a year

Manchester United's Paul Pogba celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates against Aston Villa. Reuters

Paul Pogba of Manchester United celebrates after scoring his team's third goal against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Thursday. Getty

Manchester United's Paul Pogba with teammate Bruno Fernandes at Villa Park. EPA

Manchester United's Paul Pogba scored his first league goal after a year. AP

Manchester United's Paul Pogba, left, celebrates with teammate Bruno Fernandes after scoring his team's third goal. AP

Manchester United's Paul Pogba, left, stretches after going down late in the game don Thursday. PA

Manchester United's Paul Pogba attempts to control the ball during the match against Aston Villa. AP

Manchester United's Paul Pogba, right, and Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa shake hands after the match at Villa Park on Thursday. AP

Paul Pogba at Villa Park in Birmingham. AFP

Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa with Manchester United's Paul Pogba. Reuters

Manchester United's Paul Pogba vies with Aston Villa's midfielder Trezeguet. AFP

Paul Pogba said he is focused on winning the FA Cup and Europa League rather than his Manchester United future after scoring his first league goal since April 2019.

The World Cup winner scored his first goal of an injury-ravaged campaign on Thursday, wrapping up a 3-0 Premier League win at Aston Villa.

Pogba is playing with freedom a year on from admitting his openness to a move away from Old Trafford, with the France international even reportedly willing to extend his deal.

Asked if he has had a change of heart about staying at the club, the 27-year-old told Sky Sports: "Right now, I've been injured for a very long time.

"I focused on myself to get back and help the team as much as I can.

"This year we have two goals: to go for the Europa League and the FA Cup. So, we focus on that."

Pogba's desire for a successful end to the season was a common theme in his post-match interview.

"We're really pleased with ourselves but we know we have to carry on," he said.

"We talk before the game, we talk in training that we have to carry on. That's what Manchester is.

"It's a big club and we want to keep the level up always.

"The performance today and the past few weeks, they are very good and they are the standard of Manchester United.

"We didn't win the Premier League. I mean, that's the goal. We didn't win anything this year, so obviously we have to keep working. There's a lot to do. A lot."

Apart from Pogba, Bruno Fernandes's penalty was the main talking point along with 18-year-old Mason Greenwood's latest stunning goal.

"It's very good," he said of the academy graduate. "I enjoy to see them play up front.

"I enjoy this kid in training and in the game and I will keep pushing him to be at the top. He has so much to do and he can do even more.

"What he's doing now is just his talent and he's showed he can play in this team."

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