Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson gave his honest opinion on a young Paul Pogba back in 2010 – and his assessment of the French midfielder is a fascinating one.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that Pogba will leave Old Trafford at the end of his contract in June.
The 29-year-old, who re-joined the Reds in 2016 for a then-world record transfer fee of £89 million, will depart on a free transfer – just like he did in 2012, when Ferguson was still in charge.
Ferguson's relationship with Pogba was far from perfect. He accused the player of disrespecting Manchester United when he left to join Serie A giants Juventus.
"It is disappointing," the Scot said. "I don't think he showed us any respect at all, to be honest."
And two years earlier, a former France U21 international had a conversation with Ferguson about Pogba.
Pascal Olmeta, a former goalkeeper who played for Marseille, Lyon and Espanyol, was invited to Manchester United's training ground by the legendary manager, who pointed out a talented midfielder in the club's academy system.
In the chat, Ferguson praised a young Paul Pogba; a player he thought could become a real star – although the United boss would go on to call him a "dreamer" who needed guidance.
Olmeta spoke about that meeting with Ferguson in an interview with French outlet RMC Sport last year.
"I was invited to Manchester United training by Sir Alex Ferguson," he said. "I went there with two children from my [Un Sourire, Un Espoir pour la Life] association.
"I had lunched with him and he told me about Paul Pogba, who was 17 at the time.
"He told me: 'You see this player, he will be extraordinary, full of talent. He will be at the top. But he's a dreamer and if nobody is there to show him his way, he'll never make it.'
"That was a few years ago and here we are today in that debate."
Six months after Olmeta spoke about the conversation with Ferguson and Pogba will leave Old Trafford at the end of this month.
Throwback to Jose Mourinho explaining the difference between Paul Pogba at Man United and France after the last World Cup 👀 pic.twitter.com/PPUvT467mc
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) June 1, 2022
In a 804-word statement on their official website, United announced the departure of academy product Pogba in a lengthy write-up.
The statement began: "The club can announce that Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United at the end of June, upon the expiry of his contract.
"It was a low-key end to a United career that had brought so many individual high moments, so many beautiful goals, assists and pieces of skill.
"But for a boy that joined the Academy at 16 to make over 200 United appearances and lift the Youth Cup, along with two major pieces of silverware – not to mention the World Cup at international level – is something that should be applauded and celebrated.
"Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Paul on his successful career, and thank him for his contributions to Manchester United.
"We wish him all the best for the next steps on a remarkable journey."
Pogba later announced his departure on social media.
He wrote: "I feel privileged to have played for this club. Many beautiful moments and memories but most importantly an unconditional support from the fans. Thank you."
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Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Paul Pogba, Manchester United, Premier League, Sir Alex Ferguson, Transfers
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