Manchester United wanted to ‘humiliate’ Sir Alex Ferguson by signing Paul Pogba, claims Patrice Evra

In an astonishing claim, Patrice Evra stated that Manchester United attempted to humiliate Sir Alex Ferguson by signing Paul Pogba in 2016.

Paul Pogba‘s time at Manchester United was marked by both moments of brilliance and considerable frustration. Returning to the club in 2016 for a then-world record fee of £89 million, Pogba was expected to be the talismanic figure leading United back to the top of English and European football.

He showcased his immense talent numerous times, delivering standout performances, such as his role in United’s 2017 Europa League victory, where he scored in the final under Jose Mourinho. Pogba’s ability to dominate games with his strength, passing range, and flair was undeniable, but these moments were often sporadic rather than consistent.

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However, Pogba’s time at United was also overshadowed by injuries, inconsistent form, and off-field issues, including public disputes with managers like Mourinho and a seemingly strained relationship with sections of the fanbase.

His performances often polarised opinion, with some feeling he failed to justify his hefty price tag and potential. Pogba’s second stint at United ended in 2022 when he left on a free transfer, returning to Juventus.

However, a new claim from former United player Patrice Evra, who played with Pogba at Juventus, explains that United originally wanted to sign the former French international to “humiliate” legendary United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Manchester United brought Paul Pogba back because they wanted to humiliate Sir Alex Ferguson. I told Paul to not go back because he wanted Real Madrid, and Madrid wanted him, but Florentina Perez didn’t want to pay the money,” Evra explained, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast.

“His agent called United, and he signed with him without telling me. The club was happy because they were selling shirts. You know, the kids love Pogba, and it was more commercial than anything on the pitch.”

Further, Evra was asked about the criticism that Pogba faced during his time in England, to which he replied: “It’s not about being a fan of Paul Pogba; it’s about being his big brother.

“It’s about protecting him. I was harsh with him when I joined Juventus.

“One day, he said to the press, ‘I deserve to win the Ballon d’Or’. I was like, ‘Wait a minute, did you ever hear [Frank] Lampard saying that, did you ever hear [Andreas] Iniesta, Xavi or whatever?’ And, I’m like, ‘Calm down, you’re not ready for that.’

“With Paul, you see him like that, but inside, he’s not that strong and he’s protecting himself, and that’s why I tried to protect Paul, because sometimes it [the criticism of him] was unfair. People were talking more about his hairstyle or his dancing than judging him on the pitch. Even, sometimes he wasn’t playing, they were saying, ‘United lost because of Paul Pogba’.

“I feel like sometimes the press are not being fair with Paul Pogba. I can give you an example of when he played against Liverpool for the first time. 

“The night before the game, I was on FaceTime to him, and I saw a lot of people in his room and he was signing shirts, so I asked him if he was ready for the game, and he said that he was.

 “I remember that it was one of the worst games he played, so I spoke to him after the game, and he told me that I was right, and he wasn’t focused. But it was his entourage, his entourage let him down.”

Ultimately, Pogba’s time at the club will be remembered as one of unfulfilled potential, where the flashes of brilliance were not enough to consistently elevate United to the heights they had hoped for when they re-signed him.

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