Manchester United star Paul Pogba happy to focus on football rather than fees after Neymar replaces him as the world's most expensive footballer

Paul Pogba is relieved that Neymar's world record £198million move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain has lifted the burden of being the world's most expensive player off his shoulders.

The Brazilian's staggering transfer earlier this month shattered the record set when Pogba rejoined Manchester United from Juventus for £89m a year ago.

The 24-year-old United midfielder struggled at times to justify what he has described as 'the mountain of the transfer' during his first season back at Old Trafford, but believes that he will now be left alone to focus on his football instead of the fee.

Paul Pogba (c) is no longer the world's most expensive player after Neymar cost PSG £198m

Paul Pogba (c) is no longer the world's most expensive player after Neymar cost PSG £198m

The Brazilian forward's move from Barcelona shattered the record Pogba previously held

The Brazilian forward's move from Barcelona shattered the record Pogba previously held

Asked if he feels liberated by Neymar being sold for more than twice the price, Pogba 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.


'I am always confident. I always give my best and now it is my second season. I know more about the Premier League and I adapt more with the team.

'My dream was to play and when I finished I always felt like I had missed something at Manchester United because I wasn't a first XI player for them. Now I'm back and happy to be back.

'I grew up a lot in Italy and I have come back as a man.'

Pogba played an important role in persuading his friend Romelu Lukaku to opt for a £75m move to United this summer rather than join Chelsea.

But the arrival of Nemanja Matic from Stamford Bridge for £40m could have an even greater impact on the Frenchman by giving him the freedom to get forward from midfield this season.

Manchester United paid £89m for the midfielder, who scored in their 4-0 win over West Ham

Manchester United paid £89m for the midfielder, who scored in their 4-0 win over West Ham

The arrival of Nemanja Matic (right) from Chelsea could give Pogba more freedom to attack

The arrival of Nemanja Matic (right) from Chelsea could give Pogba more freedom to attack

Pogba only scored five Premier League goals in his first campaign, despite hitting the post and bar nine times in all competitions, but he was on target in Sunday's opening 4-0 win over West Ham as Matic and Lukaku also starred for Jose Mourinho's side.

'Matic was a key player on Sunday and Romelu scored two goals, so it is what we wanted and what we expect,' added Pogba.

'It was an excellent start to the season but what matters is the end. We have started well, but we have to carry on like this. It is only one game.

'Against West Ham, Matic was starting 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.

'I hope to get more goals. I hope I won't touch the post so much like I did last season. I know the occasion will come and I will always create something. It is the result for the team that matters. You cannot win a game by yourself.'

Pogba scored in the Europa League final last season but wants United to challenge for the title

Pogba scored in the Europa League final last season but wants United to challenge for the title

Pogba helped United win the Europa League in May with the opening goal in the final against Ajax in Stockholm, but he acknowledged the importance of mounting a stronger title challenge this season.

'I came here to win the Premier League and to challenge myself as well,' he said. 'I want to perform well, but it is about what the team does.

'You could make so many assists, so many goals, but if at the end of the season you lose the league it doesn't matter. What matters is winning the Premier League.

'With the experience of last season, new manager, new players, now it is the second season of Mourinho.

'We all know more about the Premier League. Even if Mourinho has experienced the Premier League before it was at Chelsea. Now he is at Manchester United — different team and more experience.'

 

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 Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick, Jesse Lingard, Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof. This collaboration was created by TAG Heuer, United's official timekeeper and global watch partner.

Artist Alec Monopoly (left) and TAG Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver (second left) at the launch

Artist Alec Monopoly (left) and TAG Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver (second left) at the launch