“I was sad…” Kingsley Coman reveals what Manchester United did in 2018 that shocked him

Kingsley Coman has revealed what Manchester United started doing in 2018 that shocked him surrounding former Old Trafford midfielder Paul Pogba.

Paul Pogba departed Manchester United in 2022 at the end of his six-year contract, bringing to a close a mixed second spell at Old Trafford. United had re-signed him from Juventus in 2016 for a then-world-record £89 million, making him the most expensive player in football at the time.

The French international hit the ground running, playing a key role in United’s triumphs in the League Cup and Europa League during his debut season under José Mourinho. However, his relationship with Mourinho soured over time, leading to inconsistent performances and off-field tensions.

After Mourinho’s departure, Pogba rediscovered his form under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, showing glimpses of his immense ability. Yet, recurring injuries disrupted his rhythm in the latter part of his tenure, limiting his contributions.

Throughout his time at United, Pogba remained a polarising figure. While he delivered moments of undeniable brilliance, critics often questioned his focus and consistency, with the hefty transfer fee amplifying the scrutiny.

After returning to Juventus, Pogba’s career faced another significant challenge. He received a four-year doping ban for consuming prohibited substances, though this was reduced to 18 months, which he served.

He is currently searching for a new club after his Juventus contract was terminated by mutual consent.

United’s treatment of Pogba shocked Coman

Although life started well for Pogba at United, during his second season back at the club in 2018, things started to take a turn for the worse as he started to be pressed to control every aspect of the team on the pitch despite being just one of 11 players.

It was a trigger for the mixed and sour relationship that then grew at the club between Pogba and the fans.

Speaking to United legend Rio Ferdinand on his podcast, Kingsley Coman, who knows Pogba well following the pair’s time with the France national team, has explained how United’s treatment of Pogba from 2018 onwards upset and shocked him.

“Actually I was sad about his time in Man U because I also felt like Man U was asking to do too much,” Coman told the former United centre-back.

“Also when he started to decline a bit, I think he was still as good but people asked him to score, while he’s a midfield player, to do assists, to do everything.

“I think at one point he was even like the best goal scorer and assist man from the team. This is not what you ask from a midfield player.

“When they ask you so much and you can’t do your regular game when you’re in the middle and you just give the ball to the people, then you always need to do crazy things. And even though he was the best, you cannot play crazy and score.

“So I think this was one moment that I really don’t think it was his fault. Obviously then maybe after he could have done something. But I was really like, when you ask him too much, you don’t ask him what you would ask from any other midfielder in the world.

“So then you need to play, you know? And then you lose the ball more because you need to do more crazy things.”

Where will Pogba head next

Following the termination of his Juventus contract late last year, Pogba has been linked to a number of clubs.

Read More: What Jason Wilcox said about Amad Diallo after Manchester United contract extension

There are vague reports that have linked him to Manchester City, although more concrete claims have seen his name appear next to that of Ligue 1 side Marseille.

Should he join the outfit, he would be reunited with former United teammate Mason Greenwood, who now plays in France after departing United permanently in 2024.

He has also been touted as an option for David Beckham’s Inter Miami side, although with Pogba’s reported ambitions to play in the 2026 World Cup with France, a move to the United States is unlikely.

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