Paul Pogba’s return to Manchester United isn’t earning the club many friends.
It’s the fee, more than the player itself, that has put noses out of joint as Pogba becomes the most expensive player in the world with his agreement to rejoin his former side.
The likes of Arsene Wenger and Jurgen Klopp had criticised the deal before it even got over the line and now that is has been officially confirmed, many more are offering their critical two cents.
Gerard Houllier has offered perhaps the most stinging attack on The Red Devils as he has gone so far as to question United’s status as a club.
“It’s no longer a club. It’s a factory,” Houllier in an interview with L’Equipe.
“He’s not going to have €100m games every week… therefore you have to know his character,” he added. “Then it depends on the club and the environment. The English want a star.
“Manchester United generate impressive income. €120m over five years? That’s an instalment of €25m per season — it’s reasonable when you have a budget of over €500m. Because Man U carry out purchases or sales every transfer window of around €50m.”
The former Liverpool manager also believes that the huge fee in question could have a negative impact on the midfielder as never has there been more pressure been on a player to justify a pricetag.
Houllier added: “It could become a problem depending on the personality of the player, who shouldn’t put himself under pressure in terms of that. That’s why the manager’s discourse is very important.”
