Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba offers small crumb of comfort during Leicester draw by looking the part of captain

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There wasn't opportunity to show off his armband with a celebratory dab for a goal of his own, but Paul Pogba looked the part as Manchester United captain.

Pogba has been touted as United's long-term leader for a while and Antonio Valencia's injury provided rare opportunity to seize responsibility in a top-flight game.

Perhaps Jose Mourinho was making a point with Pogba returning to the Premier League from a ban the United manager judged as harsh but there is wisdom in bestowing the role on the 24-year-old regardless.

Paul Pogba offered a small crumb of comfort for Red Devils during 2-2 draw at Leicester City

Pogba is United's best player when in form and this season looks to be a laser blue procession all the way to the finish if the club hold ambitions for challenging Manchester City in future years he must enjoy sustained levels of influence.

Appointing Pogba captain would arguably bring him clarity, providing him the platform to exert his personality in the most meaningful manner. Symbolic perhaps, but also a validation of his importance and that psychological boost might unlock his full potential.

The critics would say that Pogba is too concerned with emojis, likes, and dance routines to become a United leader in the mould of Roy Keane. But then Bryan Robson's firm voice of support in the summer offers a counterpoint.

The Frenchman's performance and leadership made him look the part of captain at Leicester

In light of Sportsmail's story about him missing the start of a training session due to over-sleeping Pogba could also be accused of setting a poor example. But thrusting duty onto his shoulders ought to sharpen up his attitude.

Pogba was blameless in United conceding the late equaliser to Leicester that provides another damaging blow to any lingering hopes for a title fightback but he did much else good besides to suggest he can reach peak form soon.

For a start, he was all over the pitch. In the seventh minute turning brilliantly past Vicente Iborra and unleashing a sweet left-foot volley that would have gone in had it swerved slightly more beyond Kasper Schmeichel.

Pogba is United's best player and he showed he could be club's long-term choice as captain

Then in minutes 41, 60 and 68 he was back in defence to block crosses by Demarai Gray and Riyad Mahrez, using the ball well to set United into attack. He was a constant communicator and pulled teammates into position when he saw deviations to the plan.

Leicester produced one of their best performances of the season to wrestle a point from the match and Harry Maguire's late goal came through United dropping far too deep. But Pogba's display as captain provided a crumb of comfort.