‘Manchester United brought Pogba back in 2016 because they wanted to humiliate Sir Alex Ferguson’ – Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra was recently on the “Overlap Podcast” and he spoke about Paul Pogba’s return to Manchester United in 2016. While speaking on the podcast, Patrice Evra revealed that Manchester United brought Pogba back in 2016 because they wanted to humiliate Sir Alex Ferguson.
He further stressed that he told Paul Pogba before the move that he shouldn’t go back and that it’s going to be the biggest mistake of his life.
“In his Words”
“Manchester United brought Paul Pogba back because they wanted to humiliate Sir Alex Ferguson. Because they said ‘You let him go for free, now we are going to bring him back for 90 million euros’. I told Paul not to go back and that it’s going to be the biggest mistake of his life”, Evra said.
ESPN FC confirmed this on their official facebook page today being Thursday the 29th day of August, 2024 and it stirred massive reactions from football fans across the globe.
Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has blasted the Red Devils for making a ‘mistake’ during the summer transfer window.
Manchester United completed five key signings throughout the summer transfer window which could well go down as one of the most successful summers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired from the club in 2013.
Erik ten Hag’s United completed the signing of Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte with just hours remaining before the transfer window closed.
It wasn’t just incomings at Old Trafford but also outgoings with Napoli completing the signing of Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho moving to Chelsea on an initial loan deal.
SSC Napoli unveil new signing Scott McTominay on August 30, 2024 in Naples, Italy.
Photo by SSC NAPOLI/SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images
Nemanja Matic blasts Man United for ‘mistake’
It is certainly hard for Ineos to be criticised for their summer business at Old Trafford with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s team making key decisions that could be for the benefit of the Red Devils.
However, the sale of McTominay has been one that has been debated amongst the media and indeed the Red Devils fanbase.
Last season for United, the Scottish midfielder netted some vital goals for the Red Devils including the opener during the dramatic 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the quarter-final of the FA Cup.
McTominay also scored multiple key goals in the Premier League but United decided to move on the academy graduate for £30 million, with £5 million of that made up of add-ons.
Writing on X, former United midfielder Nemanja Matic believes that the Red Devils have made a mistake selling the Scottish ace.
My opinion is that #manutd made a mistake by selling Scott McTominay , today it is difficult to replace a player like him.Conte is smart man 👍
— Nemanja Matic (@NemanjaMatic) August 31, 2024
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“My opinion is that #manutd made a mistake by selling Scott McTominay,” Matic said, “today it is difficult to replace a player like him. (Antonio) Conte is smart man.”
United had to part ways with Scott McTominay
If you asked 100 United fans to name their best Red Devils 11, it is highly likely that the Scotsman would not appear in that starting lineup.
Despite the impact that he would so often make from the bench, the Scottish academy graduate would not start in the midfield for the Red Devils.
With Kobbie Mainoo and Ugarte set to be the first-choice midfield pairing and Bruno Fernandes as the attacking midfielder, McTominay would not be a regular option for United.
For Napoli, however, McTominay will surely be the first choice option for Antonio Conte’s side and he has made the right decision.
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Old Trafford is the setting for this weekend’s Premier League blockbuster as historic rivals Manchester United and Liverpool lock horns once again on Sunday afternoon.
This highly anticipated showdown also marks a managerial reunion between Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot, former Eredivisie adversaries, meeting for only the second time after Liverpool triumphed 3-0 in a pre-season friendly earlier this year.
Slot will look to replicate that success, but both teams face different circumstances as they enter this crucial tie.
Manchester United, eight days from a somewhat lacklustre win over Fulham—where newcomer Joshua Zirkzee quickly endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful—suffered a disappointing defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
Zirkzee, who had been hailed as a hero just a week prior, found himself cast as the villain in the 2-1 loss at the Amex Stadium.
Adding to United’s misery was an injury blow to Mason Mount, who had to be substituted at halftime due to a thigh injury and is now sidelined for several weeks.
Goals from ex-Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck and Brighton’s Joao Pedro, along with a disallowed Alejandro Garnacho strike due to an offside Zirkzee, sealed the Red Devils’ second defeat in three competitive fixtures this season.
The defeat continues a worrying trend for Ten Hag’s side as questions loom over their prospects for a resurgence.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, United have struggled to find consistent form in September, losing 13 of their 35 top-flight games during this month—only in May have they fared worse, with 14 defeats since 2013-14.
However, despite their struggles, Manchester United could potentially win three consecutive Premier League home games for the first time since August 2023 if they can overcome Liverpool on Sunday.
Their last victory at Old Trafford came in their final home game of the 2023-24 season against Newcastle United, keeping hopes alive for a positive run.
Manchester United managed to navigate Jurgen Klopp’s final season without a single loss to Liverpool, recording two Premier League draws and an enthralling 4-3 victory in the FA Cup.
However, during their pre-season U.S. tour, Slot’s side handed Ten Hag a 3-0 defeat, a result that could influence the psychological battle ahead of this weekend’s clash.
With both teams eager for a win and pressure building on Ten Hag to deliver results, this highly charged fixture promises to be a compelling battle between two of England’s most storied clubs.
Kickoff Time: 4:00PM Nigerian time.
Date: Sunday, September 1, 2024.
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