Pogba pleased to see 'long work' pay off after helping Man Utd to land Lukaku

Paul Pogba put “long work” into getting Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United, with dinner chats helping to put a £75 million deal in place.

The French midfielder has been friends with the Belgian for some time and would regularly catch up with the striker after returning to England from Juventus last summer.

With Lukaku at north west rivals Everton, the pair were able to meet up and discuss a range of topics – including a potential switch to Old Trafford.

That move has now been made, with Pogba pleased to see his efforts pay off and a proven goalscorer join him in the pursuit of Premier League title honours.

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Pogba told Copa 90’s 'FIFA and Chill' show: “I had been preparing for this – it was long work.

“I took him to dinner and I talked to him [about Manchester United].

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“I had to work for it but the finale is that he’s here, he’s here with us and he’s banging in the goals.

“He’s a player who knows the Premier League well and can help us a lot.”

Pogba settled quickly back at United following an £89 million move, with friendly faces such as Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford helping to make him feel at home.

Lukaku has now joined that group, with Pogba delighted to have his fellow 24-year-old on board.

He added:  “When you’re with those people that you’re close to, you know you would die for them too.

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“It’s always good to be close with your team-mates on and off the pitch.”

Lukaku has been among the goals for United in pre-season but will be looking to open his competitive account over the course of the next few days.

Jose Mourinho’s side, as Europa League winners, will take on Champions League holders Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup on Tuesday, before opening their 2017-18 Premier League campaign at home to West Ham on Sunday.