A Rollercoaster Ride: The Career of United's Most Expensive Player

Paul Pogba's time at Manchester United was a rollercoaster ride of extraordinary talent and unfulfilled expectations. The French midfielder, once hailed as one of the world's best, failed to consistently live up to the astronomical price tag that made him the most expensive footballer in history when he rejoined the club from Juventus in 2016 for a fee of €106 million.

Pogba's journey at Old Trafford began in the club's youth academy. After making a name for himself in Italy with Juventus, the Red Devils brought him back to Manchester, hoping he would become the centerpiece of a new era. While he showcased moments of brilliance, with his exceptional technical ability and vision, Pogba's time at United was often marred by inconsistency and injury.

His most productive season came in 2018-19 when he contributed to 27 goals, but persistent fitness issues hampered his progress. Despite his talent, he was often criticized for a perceived lack of effort and commitment. The question of whether Pogba truly gave his all for the Manchester United badge remained a constant topic of debate among fans and pundits alike.

Key factors contributing to Pogba's mixed fortunes at United:

• Pressure of the price tag: The enormous fee paid for Pogba created immense expectations, which proved to be a heavy burden for the young midfielder.
• Inconsistent performances: While capable of moments of brilliance, Pogba's performances were often inconsistent, leading to questions about his mentality and commitment.
• Tactical issues: The various managers at United struggled to find the best way to utilize Pogba's talents, leading to positional changes and a lack of clarity over his role.
• Injuries: Persistent injury problems disrupted Pogba's rhythm and limited his overall impact on the team.

Legacy:

Pogba's time at Manchester United will be remembered as a tale of unfulfilled potential. While he undoubtedly possessed immense talent, he was unable to consistently produce the kind of performances that would have justified his astronomical transfer fee. His departure from the club in 2022 marked the end of a chapter that had been filled with both excitement and disappointment.

Key questions for the future:

• Could Pogba have achieved more at Manchester United if given more time and stability?
• Will he ever fulfill his potential at another club?
• How will Manchester United move on from the Pogba era?

Paul Pogba's time at Manchester United was a fascinating and complex story. While he undoubtedly had moments of brilliance, his overall impact on the team fell short of expectations. His departure leaves a void in the squad, and the question of whether he will ever reach his full potential remains unanswered.