Paul Pogba opens up on criticism which caught him by surprise

Paul Pogba TEAMtalk

Paul Pogba has opened up about the criticism he has received since returning to Manchester United for a then world-record fee.

The France World Cup winner returned to Old Trafford in 2016 in an £89million deal but he has largely flattered to deceive in that time at Old Trafford.

Pogba did finish top scorer last season with 16 goals in all competitions, and his form around the turn of the year was good before he faded, just like United with Pogba shouldering plenty of the blame.

The 26-year-old, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer, has spoken about the criticism he has received and he believes the transfer fee played a big part.

“Because it was the biggest transfer in history at the time, you get judged differently,” he told the LifeTimes podcast. “They expect more from you because of the price tag.

“A good game would be a normal game. A top game would be a good game.”

“It’s a big amount [transfer fee]. It went down when other transfers came, so it’s fine. I think it’s also because I’m a midfielder.

“People see more strikers because they score goals, so that’s why it made such a big impact. I don’t think [Neymar and Mbappe] get it because they’re strikers.

“I knew it would come with it. I knew there would be a big impact. But I didn’t know it would go so negative. When I signed, I wasn’t used to seeing so many negative comments.

“It was a big change. I was surprised. I didn’t know a price tag would change so much for people.

“Maybe they think I have the money. It’s not me – I don’t have the money. I don’t know [the reason for the criticism]. I wish I knew so I could help them get the answer.”