PogGone: Paul Pogba Leaving Manchester United On A Free
By Tanish Menon
Manchester United have confirmed Paul Pogba will leave upon his contract’s expiry at the end of June.
In a statement via their website, the club congratulated the French midfielder on a successful career at Old Trafford before thanking him for his contribution since joining aged 16.
Pogba joined the Red Devils for the second time in 2016 for a record €100 million deal from Juventus having previously left the club on a free.
He made 226 appearances, scoring 40 goals and providing 51 assists in six injury-riddled seasons in his second spell at United. In 2018, he won the World Cup with France scoring in the final against Croatia. Club performances, however, have been underwhelming at the very least.
The 29-year-old played his final game for the Red Devils in a 4-1 loss at Anfield in April when he hobbled off with an injury in the first half. Pogba won the League Cup and the Europa League in his debut season for the club but has never been the same since.
Glimpses of his brilliance could be seen during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s interim period but never really materialised into consistent performances from thereon.
The French international was also booed by the Old Trafford faithful in his last appearance at home in a 3-2 win against Norwich City.
A vital contribution from @PaulPogba, just when we needed it 👊
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 1, 2022
🤞 Wishing you the best for your next step!#MUFC
What next for Paul Pogba?
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Juventus are working on a deal to bring Paul Pogba back to Turin on a free transfer. He has reportedly turned down interest from the current Premier League champions, Manchester City out of sheer loyalty to the club.
Manchester United meanwhile have turned their attention towards Frenkie De Jong as they plan for a complete revamp under former Ajax manager, Erik Ten Hag.
They are also reportedly targeting Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United as potential replacements.
Manchester United have opened direct talks with Barça for Frenkie de Jong. Price tag around €85m, waiting for opening bid. 🚨 #MUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 1, 2022
De Jong is still not convinced to leave Barça and he wants UCL football - Man Utd will try to push again as Barça need to solve financial issues. pic.twitter.com/jT18D37sPK
Must Read. Manchester United 21/22 Season Review. light
In conclusion, Pogba’s time at Manchester United has been an utter disappointment riddled with injuries and inconsistency, something which he and the club will want to move away from.