Paul Pogba’s six-year-long nightmare at Manchester United came to an end earlier this summer, with the Frenchman departing the club on a free transfer after running his contract down.
It’s the second time in a decade that Pogba leaves the club on a free transfer and he has repeated the trick by joining Juventus again – just like he did in 2012.
Pogba’s move to Juventus was made official earlier this week and he has now commented on his United stint, admitting that some aspects were ‘difficult’ but insists that he is happy with the choices he made.
“I’m happy with the choices I’ve made in my life,” Pogba said, according to Reuters. “Sometimes you make choices that don’t go your way but I’m happy with the years in Manchester. I grew up, I learned, I became a man.
“Changing (United) coach every year is hard – this was a difficult aspect for me. Then there were a few injuries, but I think it was also a mental thing – playing and not playing makes you lose pace. There is a bit of everything: coach, team, position. All this has blocked me a bit.
“Now, however, I have left and you will see another Paul. I can do better than in recent years.”
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SN’s verdict…
It’s always difficult for a player to gain momentum when the manager is constantly changing but the truth is that over his six years at United, Pogba played under just two permanent managers.
A third coach was added halfway through last season when Ralf Rangnick joined the club but at that point, Pogba’s mind had already been made up.
Jose Mourinho signed Pogba and managed him for two-and-a-half seasons before being replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who did the same for the best part of three years. That’s as many permanent managers he played under at Juventus over four years.
Over the years, United supporters have grown accustomed to excuses from Pogba and at face value, this comes off as just another attempt at spinning things his way.