The deal has finally been done. ‘Pogback’ as some are calling him has cost Manchester United a world record £89 million pounds, in a move that sees the midfield prodigy return to Old Trafford after four years in Italy with Juventus.
Bookmakers will no doubt cut the odds on Manchester United lifting the premier league title for the first time since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. The question is can Pogba really transform a lacklustre team that bored fans to death with their tepid passing and lack of incisive play, to serious title challengers?
One look at his performances at Euro 2016 would suggest that Manchester United fans need to wait at least a couple of seasons to see the best of the Frenchman. At the euro tournament, Pogba managed a solitary goal against Iceland in the round of 16, and although his performances improved in the latter stages of the tournament, it was not enough to convince pundits that he is worth a world record fee.
Yes, Pogba is an excellent talent, but he is not yet on the same level as Ronaldo, Messi, or the Gareth Bales of this world who are able to be match winners week in week out. The world record fee could also be a distraction as he will need to contend with the intense media scrutiny in England where his every move will be analysed.
He has described his move as one of ‘destiny’, will this be a happy return for him?