When Zlatan Ibrahimovic left Manchester United in March 2018, he left behind more than just memories of his towering presence and clutch performances. The Swedish icon, who joined LA Galaxy after his stint at Old Trafford, also left behind a piece of advice that resonates deeply as the club reflects on the trajectories of two players he once tipped for greatness: Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford. Both were seen as the future of Manchester United, but their stories have taken unexpected turns, leaving fans to ponder what might have been.
Ibrahimovic’s Vision for Pogba and Rashford
During his time in the MLS, Ibrahimovic reflected on his spell at United and shared his thoughts on the club’s future. Speaking to The Mirror, he singled out Pogba and Rashford as the players who should be at the forefront of United’s project. His words were filled with optimism and belief in their potential, but they also carried a cautionary undertone about the challenges they would face.
On Pogba, Ibrahimovic said:
“I think Paul Pogba has the potential to be the best player in the world in his position. He is a good guy, he trains hard, he listens, he wants to become better, he wants to win. He wants to perform in every game. Things happening outside do not really bother him because when you are at that level, everyone will speak. Positive, negative, in between, everybody.”
At the time, Pogba was in the midst of a turbulent period under José Mourinho, with rumours of a fractured relationship between the player and manager dominating headlines. Ibrahimovic’s belief in Pogba’s ability to rise above the noise was admirable, but the Frenchman’s second stint at United ultimately fell short of expectations.
Pogba’s Unfulfilled Potential
Pogba’s return to Manchester United in 2016 was heralded as a blockbuster move. The club broke the world transfer record to bring him back from Juventus for £85 million, and fans hoped he would become the midfield talisman to lead the team back to glory. However, his time at Old Trafford was marred by inconsistency, injuries, and off-field distractions.
Despite flashes of brilliance—such as his role in United’s Europa League triumph in 2017—Pogba never consistently reached the heights many expected. His statistics tell a mixed story: 29 goals and 38 assists in 157 Premier League appearances are respectable, but they fall short of the world-class standard Ibrahimovic envisioned. Pogba’s departure in July 2022, on a free transfer, was a bittersweet moment for the club and its fans, marking the end of a chapter that promised so much but delivered too little.
Rashford’s Rollercoaster Journey
Ibrahimovic was equally effusive in his praise for Marcus Rashford, whom he saw as the future of Manchester United.
“Rashford is the future of Manchester United,” he said. “In the beginning, I saw him more as an individual—now he is playing more for the collective. He is using his quality more for the team, not for himself only.”
At the time, Rashford was on an upward trajectory, emerging as one of the most exciting young talents in English football. His pace, skill, and eye for goal made him a fan favourite, and many believed he would spend his entire career at Old Trafford. However, Rashford’s journey has been anything but straightforward.
While he has enjoyed standout moments—most notably during the 2022-23 season, when he scored 30 goals—his form has been inconsistent. Off-field controversies and questions about his commitment have occasionally overshadowed his on-pitch contributions. Under Ruben Amorim, who took charge in November 2024, Rashford found himself out of favour and was sent on loan to Aston Villa. His future at United now looks uncertain, with a permanent departure likely in the summer.
A Devastating Outcome
The fact that both Pogba and Rashford—players Ibrahimovic once championed as the future of Manchester United—have now left or are on the verge of leaving the club is a sobering reality. Pogba’s departure in 2022 marked the end of a tumultuous chapter, while Rashford’s loan move to Villa signals the potential end of his time at Old Trafford.
For United fans, it’s a devastating outcome. Both players rose through the club’s youth ranks, embodying the spirit and tradition of the academy. Pogba’s technical brilliance and Rashford’s explosive talent promised a bright future, but their stories serve as a reminder of the challenges of fulfilling potential in the pressure-cooker environment of modern football.
Lessons for the Future
As United look to rebuild under Amorim, the stories of Pogba and Rashford offer valuable lessons. Talent alone is not enough; consistency, mentality, and the right environment are equally crucial. The club must create a culture that nurtures and supports its players, allowing them to thrive without the weight of external pressures.
Ibrahimovic’s words about Pogba and Rashford remain a poignant reminder of what could have been. While their time at United may not have lived up to the lofty expectations, their journeys are a testament to the complexities of football and the fine margins between success and failure.
As the club moves forward, the focus will be on learning from the past and building a future where the next generation of stars can fulfil their potential. For Pogba and Rashford, their legacies at Old Trafford will always be tinged with a sense of what might have been—but their stories are far from over. Whether they find redemption elsewhere or return to United in the future, their careers will continue to be watched with interest by fans around the world.
