Paul Pogba opens up about depression struggles at Manchester United

Paul Pogba has shared a raw and honest account of his challenging years at Manchester United, admitting he grappled with depression while playing under José Mourinho.

The French star’s return to Old Trafford in 2016 sparked huge excitement, arriving alongside big names like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Yet, behind the scenes, his rocky relationship with Mourinho and a growing disconnect with the fans cast a shadow over his time at the club.

“I didn’t understand what was happening,” Pogba said. “I was a key player and suddenly, I was on the bench. There was no communication. I couldn’t talk. I wasn’t happy—and a footballer who isn’t happy can’t perform well.”

The midfielder’s struggles soon spiraled, affecting his mental well-being in ways he didn’t immediately recognize. “I fell into depression without even realising it,” he confessed.

“Nobody teaches you what depression is. Until one day, I started getting bald spots in my scalp. I didn’t understand what it was. They told me it was stress.”