Manchester United have been told they made the ‘worst signing in history’ when they brought Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford because of how much they spent on re-signing him, talkSPORT has been told.
That’s the view of former boxer and hardcore Red Devils fan Anthony Crolla, who has thrown a massive punch at the club for their ‘absolutely dreadful business’ conducted regarding the French World Cup winner.
Thankfully for all those not enamored of the midfielder, Pogba’s frustrating spell at Man United could soon be over as he looks set to depart Old Trafford for the second time this summer when his contract expires, with many clubs around Europe allegedly keen to secure him.
The Frenchman had first departed the Red Devils for Juventus in 2012, and was then brought back to Old Trafford four years later after an impressive spell in Italy, with United dishing out a then world-record fee of £89m for him.
Unfortunately the massive deal had not panned out the way both parties would have wanted it to, and now the injury-prone midfielder with a penchant for drama is set to leave club for nothing, having failed to agree a new contract.
Pogba had begun reasonably well upon his return to United, winning two trophies in his debut season and scoring in the Europa League final, but has been far from his best in his performances for club, but not country, where he has shone for the latter on international duty.
Now the club has been held primarily accountable for Pogba’s inability to justify his price tag, also for their decision to initially let him leave, then re-sign him, and now letting him depart again for free, making a mockery of the club.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Weekend Sports Breakfast, former WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla, a huge Red Devils supporter said:
“I think I speak for Manchester United fans, or most people with a pair eyes really, you’ve got to think Paul Pogba has got to be one of the worst pieces of business financially in history.
“To let a player go, then to sign him back for £90m and then to let him go on a free again, it’s just absolutely mental.
“No matter what you thought, how he’s not delivered for the club and certain things that have been said throughout his stay at the club, you can’t help but say it’s been absolutely dreadful business.”
The former boxer immediately invoked a comparison between Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, who is set to sign a new five-year deal, saying he’s been one of the club’s best additions in years.
“Bruno [Fernandes] some people will have their thoughts of, but for me he’s been one of the best signings we’ve had in recent years,” he added.
“I know his form is a bit patchy at the minute but in that season [2020/21], he carried us.
“For me I believe one is Manchester United, and I believe the other isn’t really Manchester United, he’s an individual.”