Paul Pogba’s emergence in Serie A with Juventus has indeed been a revelation. The French international had a successful first year with Juventus, winning the Scudetto with the club. In a reflection on his time at Manchester United, Pogba shared insights into his relationship with then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
According to Pogba, Ferguson told him that he was close to playing and needed to be patient, citing examples of academy graduates like Scholes and Giggs. However, Pogba expressed his eagerness to play and, feeling ready for more playing time, informed Ferguson that if he wasn’t ready at Manchester United, he would be ready elsewhere. Pogba felt that Ferguson didn’t demonstrate enough interest in having him in the first team.
The tension escalated to the point where Pogba found himself relegated to the “cellar,” where he practiced on his own, honing his skills with juggling and ball work. Despite positive words from Ferguson, Pogba believed that actions spoke louder than words, and if the manager didn’t show a genuine desire to include him, it was merely empty praise.
This account sheds light on the challenges and dynamics between young talents and established managers at top football clubs, emphasizing the importance of communication and opportunities for emerging players.
