Record signing Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Sunday failed to prevent Manchester United to suffer its first draw for the first time under Jose Mourinho.
Joe Allen’s 82nd-minute close-range finish cancelled out Anthony Martial’s brilliant opener and earned struggling Stoke a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford as United were made to pay for sloppy finishing.
It was indeed a game United could and should have won, against opponents who began the day bottom of the league.
Today’s draw means United have now dropped eight points in their first seven league games.
Pogba had enough chances to put the game to bed but his poor finishing, coupled with a fine performance from on-loan Derby goalkeeper Lee Grant, denied the Mourinho’s boys a victory.
Allen’s point-blank finish came after a David De Gea parry and a deflection off the crossbar, but no less meaningful.
Stoke had lost their last 13 games at this ground, last gathering a point in 1980, but Grant’s refusal to buckle on just his second top-flight appearance, coupled with Pogba’s wasteful treatment of three gilt-edged chances, cost United dear.
Wayne Rooney started from the bench again today, and he was introduced in the 67th minute to replace Juan Mata.
Rooney’s first meaningful contribution did not come until in the 82nd minute when he sent a direct free kick on target, but the keeper saved it.
United had a glorious opportunity to rescue victory, Marcus Rashford crossing for Pogba, but he headed against the bar from a couple of yards.
