Jump directly to the content
CHAIRS FOR THAT

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.

 Neymar has unseated Paul Pogba as the most expensive player in the world and had a kickabout on this giant chair statue to help support landmine victims
8
Neymar has unseated Paul Pogba as the most expensive player in the world and had a kickabout on this giant chair statue to help support landmine victimsCredit: AFP or licensors
 Paul Pogba is looking for more freedom - now that he has lost the title of the most expensive player in the world and also has Nemanja Matic helping him in midfield
8
Paul Pogba is looking for more freedom - now that he has lost the title of the most expensive player in the world and also has Nemanja Matic helping him in midfieldCredit: AFP or licensors

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.

 Neymar pictured at a Handicap International event in Geneva
8
Neymar pictured at a Handicap International event in GenevaCredit: AFP
 Neymar is now the world's most expensive player after PSG paid £198m for him
8
Neymar is now the world's most expensive player after PSG paid £198m for himCredit: EPA

Rashford also started as he bids for a more regular slot

“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!

 Paul Pogba is targeting more goals this season and bagged the last one as Manchester United opened the season with a 4-0 win over West Ham on Sunday
8
Paul Pogba is targeting more goals this season and bagged the last one as Manchester United opened the season with a 4-0 win over West Ham on SundayCredit: Rex Features
 Two-goal Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matis made winning debuts against West Ham while Marcus
8
Two-goal Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matis made winning debuts against West Ham while MarcusCredit: Rex Features

“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.

 Neymar hopes to settle quickly following his £198m switch from Barcelona to PSG
8
Neymar hopes to settle quickly following his £198m switch from Barcelona to PSGCredit: Rex Features

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.

 Paul Pogba was delighted with how Manchester United started the season but says how they finish it is more important
8
Paul Pogba was delighted with how Manchester United started the season but says how they finish it is more importantCredit: Rex Features

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.


Keep up to date with ALL the transfer news and gossip on our blog


Topics