Ronaldo and Pogba were two of Manchester United’s most experienced players during the latter’s season in the Premier League giants, with their departure confirmed on Wednesday
Cristiano Ronaldo’s private thoughts on Paul Pogba have emerged (
Image: Getty Images)
Paul Pogba was one of the few players who commanded Cristiano Ronaldo’s respect when Manchester United’s season broke.
It was announced on Wednesday that the Frenchman has left Old Trafford after his contract expired. He had fallen constantly against United fans for his performances and actions off the pitch, with his departure almost certain for much of the campaign.
His last appearance was in the terrible hammering at the hands of Liverpool in April, when he was forced to leave injured. But while United fans may be glad to see him leave, he seems to have remained popular in the Old Trafford dressing room.
David de Gea sends message to Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard after the departure of Man Utd Lionel Messi equalizes the record of Cristiano Ronaldo after the last Argentine victory
According to The Athletic, Pogba “demanded great respect” from superstar Ronaldo, who returned to United last summer. It is said that the duo had a close relationship during the last season of the first at the club.
Ronaldo even went so far as to say that he “wished” he had been able to play with Pogba during his time at Real Madrid. It is said that the striker’s desire to play with the World Cup winner stemmed from the “variety and quality” of his ability to pass.
Their relationship also made Pogba Ronaldo’s ‘lobby’ more constructive when it comes to commenting on younger players. Ronaldo became increasingly frustrated with the less experienced players in the United squad and showed this annoyance publicly on several occasions.
Pogba encouraged Ronaldo to be more positive with younger players (
Image:
REUTERS)
SAY YOUR WORK! Who should be Manchester United’s main target to replace Paul Pogba? Comment below.
But it seems that Pogba was in charge of convincing Ronaldo to be more of a leader for these players. Although he would only play 11 Premier League games under his leadership, Pogba is said to have “gotten away” with interim boss Ralf Rangnick after a “productive” meeting earlier in his term.
It is also claimed that the German “valued” Pogba’s efforts to mediate between the different groups within what became a fractured dressing room. But now both Pogba and Rangnick have left Old Trafford.
Pogba’s most likely move is to return to Juventus, where he previously spent four successful years. United posted a long farewell message on their website announcing Pogba’s departure, thanking him for his efforts during his two terms at the club.
Paul Pogba “left deflated” after being rejected by text messages about Man Utd’s 5-star Man Utd contract that could be key under Erik ten Hag as he welcomes the forgotten man again
“Pogba’s last season at the club started in a very promising way, with four amazing assists in our opening day’s thrashing of Leeds United, but more injury problems will derail his ambitions,” the statement said. .
“It was a discreet end to a career at United that had brought so many individual moments, so many beautiful goals, assists and pieces of skill. But for a boy who joined the Academy at the age of 16 he did more than 200 appearances at United and lifting it, the Youth Cup, along with two big pieces of silver – not to mention the World Cup internationally – is something to be applauded and celebrated.
“The whole club would like to congratulate Paul on his successful career and thank him for his contributions to Manchester United. We wish him all the best for the next steps on an extraordinary journey.”
Read more
Man Utd stars send WhatsApp notes to Paul Pogba during Jose Mourinho’s private betrayal
Read more
Paul Pogba will pocket another million pounds from Man Utd despite announcing the release of Old Trafford