Manchester United made it their priority to bring Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford in 2016, completing his return for a then club record, £89 million. But after a frustrating campaign, Pogba has announced he wants to leave the club – with Real Madrid and Juventus both on his radar.
After his return in 2016, Pogba has gone on to make 92 appearances in the red shirt, scoring 24 goals. Pogba returned to the Premier League with a music video featuring Stormzy known as “Pog-back”, and his mentality has been questioned by plenty of Manchester United fans during his second stint back with the Red Devils. Despite his critics, the World Cup winner made it into the Premier League best XI last season, even though Man United had a poor campaign as a whole.
It wasn’t long ago since Jose Mourinho and Pogba’s deteriorating relationship was all over the news and social media, with a lack of respect between the two men. While Mourinho was in the firing line, Pogba’s attitude and behaviour during the Portuguese’s reign did not sit well with many fans.
Further frustrations from fans were shown in the final few games of last season, more noticeable when a video was leaked from the stands with certain fans throwing abuse at Pogba, who stood there and grinned, only irritating certain fans further.
This appeared to be the beginning of the end for Pogba and his reign at Man United, who has made it clear he feels his future is away from England altogether.
His agent, Mino Raiola, has publicly announced of Pogba’s desire to leave the club this summer.
He told The Times: “Everyone within the club, from the manager to the owner, knows Paul’s wishes.”
Real Madrid, who have been splashing the cash already this summer, including their coup of Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, are one of the bookies’ favourites. Juventus are also keen to bring back their former player, who shown during his time in Turin.
It appears as though Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to revamp his squad and bring in young, hungry, English talent to be the spine of his side. Having already brought in Daniel James from Swansea, Sean Longstaff is high on the Norwegian’s list as he looks to rebuild his team for the new campaign.
Premier League betting suggests Manchester United will be facing a similar season to the last if they are unable to bring in more talent. Pogba’s exit will certainly divide opinion, but his goals and assists will clearly be missed.
Love him or hate him, Pogba has definitely contributed on the pitch since returning to Manchester United. His brace against Manchester City to prevent them from winning the league at the Etihad will live long in the memory for fans, as well as his performances which helped United to lift the Europa League Cup. The Frenchman will certainly be missed if he is to depart Manchester this summer.
