‘Pogba wanted to quit Man Utd after only TWO years’

Carlo Garganese

• 5 Mar 2023 15:06 GMT
• 3 min read

Paul Pogba already wanted to quit Manchester United just two years after returning to the club from Juventus.

According to former Juventus defender Medhi Benatia, Pogba told him during a Champions League match against Man Utd in 2018 that he wanted to return to Turin.

Pogba rejoined Man Utd from Juventus for a then-world record €105 million fee.

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However, he never really lived up to his pricetag at Old Trafford as he was plagued by inconsistency, injuries and criticism over his desire and tactical suitability.

What did Benatia say about Pogba?

“When we [Juventus] faced him in Manchester, he told me that he loved Juventus and that he wanted to return.” Benatia said of a 1-0 win for Juventus over Pogba’s Man Utd in 2018.

After six years at Man Utd, Pogba returned to Juventus last summer on a free transfer.

However, he only made his debut this week as a substitute in a 3-2 win over Torino after being out for 315 days due to various injuries.

“I am sorry for him, he’s gone through a difficult year, but I am not surprised to see him at Juventus,” Benatia added.

Pogba came off the bench on 68 minutes in the Turin Derby on Tuesday evening.

The scores were level at 2-2 and Pogba immediately inspired Juventus to take the lead for the first time in the game just three minutes later.

He had an impressive substitute appearance with some beautiful touches and even had a goal-bound shot blocked by a Torino defender.

Juventus had struggled to control the midfield all game but this changed when Pogba came on.

Pogba will start from the bench again on Sunday evening as Juventus play Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.