Paul Pogba happy with Neymar’s world record move to PSG as it takes the pressure off him at Manchester United
Frenchman relishes focusing on his football not his fee - and is equally happy at his new role following Nemanja Matic's arrival
FRENCHMEN celebrating Neymar’s transfer this summer were not just confined to Paris.
There was another one based in Manchester who was equally as pleased as all those Paris Saint-Germain fans.
Paul Pogba finally had the burden of being the world’s most expensive player lifted from his shoulders.
And the Manchester United star said: “Last season the first question from everyone was always all about the price tag.
“Now everyone is asking about the football — that tells you everything.”
Pogba’s £89million move back to Old Trafford was dwarfed by Neymar’s £198m switch from Barcelona.
Indeed, this crazy summer transfer window, where full-backs are going for £50m, means Pogba’s price tag no longer raises eyebrows.
Midfielder Pogba, 24, said: “It is my second season and I know more about the Premier League.
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“When you know the team more, you know how to play alongside them and you get a different feeling.”
Some have judged Pogba by the goals scored column, rather than on his overall displays, and in that sense nine goals was not seen as a great return.
But Pogba did hit the woodwork NINE times last season.
And he admitted: “I hope to get more goals. I hope this season I won’t hit the post so much!
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“I know the occasions will come and I will always create something.”
Last season Pogba was often caught between defending and attacking, but against West Ham on Sunday he looked like he had more freedom with new-boy Nemanja Matic behind him.
He said: “In that game, Matic was behind and I could worry more about attacking.
“I feel good playing that way — but it depends on what the manager wants. What he wants, we have to do.”
Pogba scored the final goal in Sunday’s 4-0 win, with new signing Romelu Lukaku getting two and substitute Anthony Martial the other.
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Frenchman Pogba said: “It was an excellent start to the season but what matters is the end. We have started well, yet we have to carry on like this.
“Matic was a key player on Sunday and Romelu scored two goals so it is what we wanted and what we expect.”
That display has certainly raised hopes of a title tilt after last year’s sixth-placed Prem finish.
And with manager Jose Mourinho always a title winner in his second season at clubs, United look a team to fear once more. Pogba said: “You could see against West Ham that everybody was playing for each other.
“With the experience of last season, and having a new manager and new players, now it is the second season under Mourinho.”
After four Serie A titles with Juventus, Pogba has his sights on Prem glory.
It feels like unfinished business for a player who left Manchester for Turin over a his lack of first-team chances at Old Trafford.
Ahead of United travelling to Swansea on Saturday, Pogba admitted: “When I left, I always felt like I had missed something at United because I wasn’t in the first team player.
“Now I’m back and happy. I grew up a lot in Italy and I have come back as a man.”
And, crucially, he is no longer the most expensive one in world football.
Paul Pogba was speaking at the unveiling of a mural created by world renowned graffiti artist, Alec Monopoly at Old Trafford. The mural, which depicts scenes from around the famous stadium was added to by Manchester United players, Pogba, Michael Carrick, Jesse Lingard, Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof.
This collaboration was created by TAG Heuer, Manchester United’s official timekeeper and global watch partner.
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