€105 million goes a pretty long way these days. You can buy yourself a couple of holiday villas in Spain, a Bugatti or two - hell, maybe even a yacht. However, in the football world, you get Paul Pogba - the worlds most expensive super-sub. Even the most hardcore Man United fans have to admit that this particular investment hasn't exactly worked out the way they wanted, as they were promised the midfielder of the century when in reality they got a Frenchman with bad ankles.
But it hasn't all been bad. Impressive performances at Juventus is what conjured up a return to Old Trafford in the first place and he certainly earned that €105 million price tag. In 178 appearances for the King's of Italy, Pogba racked up 74 goal contributions including 34 goals and 40 assists, pushing Juventus to 4 consecutive league titles under Antonio Conte.
This form did continue for a period at Old Trafford, as even with continuing chemistry and management issues, he still produced 24 goals and 23 assists through his first 3 seasons back in Manchester. He was also a major part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's appointment, as, during his time as caretaker manager, Pogba set the Premier League alight, scoring 13 goals and assisting a further 9 in 35 appearances.
Unfortunately, the injury plague struck Pogba in early 2019 and has missed 54 games for the Red Devils since. This isn't exactly ideal for a man who should currently be entering the prime of his career at 28 and isn't a dream come true for United fans either. However, missing games is no longer the problem. A serious drought in performance and unlimited Twittersphere rumours have put serious doubt in the minds of United fans, who seem more desperate to sell Pogba than to see him return to form. This fact is being made worse with the continuing performance of Bruno Fernandes, who has been an instant hit for United both in the Premier League and in Europe. So not only is Pogba now out of a starting role, but he may soon be out of a job altogether.
Last nights Europa League reapperance against AC Milan bought him a little more time, as a 47th-minute super-sub strike rallied United through to the tournaments final 8. But if Pogba doesn't find the form he once had, his ever reducing price tag could appear more and more appealing to clubs desperate for some former talent.
All good !
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