Paul Pogba lifts lid on failed Man Utd return

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 17 Jun 2023 20:03 BST
• 3 min read

Paul Pogba has twice played for Manchester United, the one-time academy graduate returning from Juventus for a then-world record €105 million in 2016, but things didn't work out…

Pogba was often criticised for his disinterested performances as the club struggled to find his best position, and he returned to Juventus on a free transfer last summer.

But knee surgery followed by repeated muscular injuries had derailed Pogba's return to Juventus Stadium, and he only made six Serie A appearances last season, only one of which was a start.

READ: Paul Pogba breaks down in TEARS after another injury

Pogba emerged as one of the best midfielders in the world in his first Juventus spell, and the club remain hopeful he can rediscover that form of old; form which eluded him during his second spell at Old Trafford.

Pogba 'didn't feel the love' in Manchester

"I saw the love of the club," Pogba told French magazine View of his decision to join Juve for the first time in 2012. "I really liked how they worked and learned a lot.

"[But] I went back to Manchester because I had unfinished business there. I said to myself 'I really want to play with the first team. I did that and it was a goal achieved for me.

READ: Juventus’ best free transfers of all time

Despite winning a double of EFL Cup and Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2017, Pogba struggled to live up to his price tag back in Manchester, even if nine assists in his final Premier League season were not to be sniffed at.

"…Really the love from the fans, the love from [Juventus] that I get, I didn't get that in Manchester. I was quite surprised when I came back to England, already with the transfer I was given a label. It was quite sad."

Juventus are set to stick with Pogba this season despite their recent 15-point deduction for 'financial irregularities,' although France teammate Adrien Rabiot could find himself at Manchester United with his own contract running down.