Pogba to PSG: Why the Ligue 1 side love the Man Utd star

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 9 Feb 2022 06:30 CST
  • 3 min read
Paul Pogba, Manchester United, Premier League, 2021/22
© ProShots

Paul Pogba made a positive return for Manchester United from injury on Wednesday as he slammed the opening goal in Premier League match against Burnley.

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Man Utd were ultimately held to a 1-1 draw by the Clarets, further hampering their top-four aspirations, yet Pogba gave manager Ralf Rangnick a nudge in terms of what he could provide the Red Devils in the long term.

The World Cup winner, though, could be on his way in the summer. He is out of contract at the end of June and will be up for free agency.

Although his lavish wages will doubtless put some suitors off, Paris Saint-Germain are ready to make a move for the midfielder.

Pogba, though, has always cut a divisive figure at Old Trafford. He is perceived as a player more focused on his social media profile than his performance on the field, a character whose first priority is to look good.

Certainly, his performances with Man Utd have often backed that up. He has struggled to show his best with the club, particularly when put in contrast with what he has often managed with the France national team.

Why PSG want Pogba

Pogba is not a new target for PSG. They already tried to move for him in the summer of 2021 only to be knocked back by a Man Utd team that was optimistic he would remain.

Looking beyond his footballing ability, which he clearly has ample of when fit, focused and used correctly, his personality is something that the Ligue 1 leaders appreciate.

Pogba has shown a capacity to be the centre of the dressing room, a force in a team who unites players and a figure who can be rallied around. It is this type of character that they are presently missing.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, Manchester United
© ProShots

From a commercial standpoint, too, Pogba is an attractive proposition, particularly in his homeland, where he has many fans. PSG inevitably consider this aspect when making transfer plans.

The other option open to the Parisians this summer is Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta, but with a price tag of €80 million slapped on his head, even the midfielder’s wages start to appear cheap by comparison.

Little wonder, then, that Man Utd face losing Pogba.

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