11 February 2024 , 07:30
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Paul Pogba was tipped to be the best midfielder in the world by former Manchester United team-mate Ander Herrera.
Pogba failed to deliver on the promise that led to United spending £89million to sign him from Juventus in 2016. He would ultimately return to the Serie A giants on a free transfer six years later after the Red Devils declined to extend his contract.
Though he won the Europa League and FA Cup, it was ultimately a disappointing spell at Old Trafford for the Frenchman. But while fans and pundits may have been left underwhelmed, his team-mates remained fully supportive.
The Spaniard spent three years playing alongside Pogba in United's midfield. He left in the summer of 2019 for PSG, but maintained a close bond with the Frenchman and sent him his backing.
"I haven't spoken with him for a long time and I don't know what he wants to do. It's true that every day in the papers we can read that he wants to leave, or Manchester United are going to sell him, but I don't really know what he wants to do," Herrera told ESPN in 2020.
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"He can be the best midfielder in the world. In terms of qualities, he has everything. I have never seen a midfielder who has all the qualities he can have. He can recover a lot of balls, he can head the ball, he can score goals, he can defend, he can attack, he's so strong and tall.
"It's true that since he came to the club he has some ups and downs, but when he was good, he was really good. Amazing. It was a pleasure to play with him. I think all the Manchester United fans want to see the best of Pogba.
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Pogba endured a difficult time at United (Getty Images)"That can happen, and with Bruno Fernandes, I think Manchester United can do great things. Liverpool and Manchester City are also doing great things. It's not easy, but with Paul, Bruno and Marcus [Rashford] they can."
Pogba had a difficult relationship with United fans, who grew impatient with his struggles. The midfielder opened up on those struggles after his departure, insisting the attitude of supporters had a negative impact on him.
"I just want the best for me," he told Uninterrupted in 2022. "I'm thinking, putting everything together, taking my time, and I'm just looking for the best, I want to play football, be myself always, and enjoy what I do.
"I need to enjoy what I do because otherwise I cannot perform well. I don't want to be thinking negatively. We can be losing games, trophies but you have to be happy and enjoy yourself -- that's what I'm looking for.
"Everybody wants to feel loved, everyone needs that in your soul to feel appreciated. Everything you do even when you grow up, when you do a good thing you like to hear: 'Well done, nice.'
"It's always been like that, even adults need that. It's always good to feel the work you do is appreciated that you're doing well that people are happy with yourself. I like to talk to the people and be a leader but even a leader sometimes needs his teammates to be encouraged."