‘F*ck off Pogba’ – Man Utd fans react to ‘vile’ abuse of France star
Robin Bairner
- 16 Apr 2022 22:36 BST
- 5 min read
Paul Pogba’s Manchester United career hit a low on Saturday as he was booed by his own fans during a 3-2 victory over Norwich.
Pogba was handed a rare start in the Premier League match because of injuries to Scott McTominay and Fred.
He completed 74 minutes of the game, despite fasting due to Ramadan, at which point he was replaced by Juan Mata.
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What happened to Pogba?
He was jeered and the subject of derogatory chants, including “F*ck off Pogba”.
The World Cup winner has had a difficult stint at the club since returning from Juventus in 2016 and is set to depart on a free transfer in the summer.
The Old Trafford atmosphere suggested that there will be a sizeable portion of the Man Utd fanbase that will not be unhappy to see the back of the 29-year-old, with the Stretford End notably signing: “You’re not fit to wear the shirt.”
He was withdrawn after 70 minutes and was booed as he left to go down the tunnel. Indeed, he reacted to the abuse from the crowd by cupping his ear towards them.
I didn't hear it myself. Support in stadium today was great.
- Ralf RangnickInterim boss Ralf Rangnick offered the player little supporter. Speaking after the game, he said: “I didn't hear it myself. Support in stadium today was great. I can fully understand why fans are frustrated and disappointed, so are we.
“Things have stayed, as far as I know, peaceful. I don't think it makes sense to take or target any individual or players.”
Fans rally round
Pogba, though, retains significant support on his social channels, if not the stands.
Treatment of Pogba today was completely vile. He was alone in midfield for the whole game, covered more ground than he ever has and some really neat pieces of play. Set out today to fail and still coped ‘okay’.
— sam (@mufcsam_) April 16, 2022
in the last 6 months Paul Pogba has played:
No 8
No 10
DM
LW
ST
how is a player meant to find consistency when his position isn't even consistent?
does Fred get moved around like this? does Fernandes? does Sancho?— Aidan 🔴⚪ (@UTDAidann) April 16, 2022
You deserve a serious club king 👑💙
I hope that serious club is us after the board commits to letting the football men make footballing decisions and the business men make business decisions pic.twitter.com/gTnbquAnUV— Matthew Daniel 🙇🏻 (@mattDaniH) April 16, 2022
Good game today, the boos dont represent the majority! You’re appreciated
— UTDJ (@UTDlegendary) April 16, 2022
Good game today, the boos dont represent the majority! You’re appreciated
— UTDJ (@UTDlegendary) April 16, 2022
Good game today, the boos dont represent the majority! You’re appreciated
— UTDJ (@UTDlegendary) April 16, 2022
Good game today, the boos dont represent the majority! You’re appreciated
— UTDJ (@UTDlegendary) April 16, 2022
What next for Pogba?
Pogba appears destined to become a free agent in the summer, with his Man Utd contract up at the end of June.
The latest incidents can only increase the tendency that the midfielder leaves the club, with the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain interested in him, with Juventus unlikely to make a move because of his sizeable wage demands.
