How Pogba leaving Man Utd leads to Mane's Bayern transfer

James Shearman

• 1 Jun 2022 15:38 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have confirmed that Paul Pogba will depart the club on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of June.

Pogba re-joined the club for a second spell in 2016 from Juventus for a world-record fee of €105 million, having left to join the Serie A club four years earlier for what amounted to nothing.

Although a success at international level with France, he failed to reproduce that level with the Red Devils and will depart the club with his promise unfulfilled.

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A statement published by Manchester United on Wednesday reads: "The club can announce that Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United at the end of June, upon the expiry of his contract.

"Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Paul on his successful career, and thank him for his contributions to Manchester United.

"We wish him all the best for the next steps on a remarkable journey."

Pogba played a total of 226 matches for Manchester United in his second spell at the club, contributing 39 goals in the process.

He was regularly struck by injury issues on top of his lack of form, which meant that he failed to play more than 30 Premier League matches in four of the six seasons he spent with the club.

How Pogba leaving Man Utd leads to Mane's Bayern transfer

Perhaps the most important thing to come from Pogba's departure is the domino effect of transfers that could take place this summer.

First, the vacant position in the centre of Manchester United's midfield could go to Frenkie de Jong.

The Barcelona midfielder worked with United head coach Erik ten Hag at Ajax, and could soon be on his way to Old Trafford to reunite.

That should free up funds for Barca to make an acquisition of their own, one which they hope to be Robert Lewandowski.

Lewandowski enjoyed another stellar campaign for Bayern Munich, scoring 50 goals in all competitions, but believes it is time for a new challenge.

At 33, the striker has left it late to experience a different league, but few would doubt him to be a success at Camp Nou.

Bayern have been linked with traditional 'number nines' to replace Lewandowski, should he leave, but the signing of Sadio Mane is reportedly imminent.

Mane could play through the middle, or out wide, but one thing that is for certain is that he's a world class player.

One could even argue that his transfer to Liverpool started this successful era under Jurgen Klopp.