Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba agreed personal terms with Manchester City but decided on u-turn due to one reason: Reports
Paul Pogba decided against a move to Manchester City because he was worried about the backlash from Manchester United fans, according to The Times.
The France international has his deal with the Red Devils expiring at the end of the season. It has been said since March that he has decided to see off his contract at Old Trafford and leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have been credited with an interest in Pogba ahead of the summer. It was also suggested that Manchester City were considering a 'shock' move for the midfielder.
However, Fabrizio Romano recently rubbished claims linking Pogba with a move to the Etihad Stadium. The Italian journalist insisted that the Frenchman has "no intention to open discussions" with the Cityzens.
The latest report from The Times, though, states otherwise. It is said that Pogba actually went as far as agreeing personal terms with Pep Guardiola's side before making a u-turn on the move.
Paul Pogba agreed personal terms with #ManCity but turned down a move as he was concerned about the backlash from Manchester United fans. Pogba felt his life in the North West would become unbearable because of the inevitable negative reaction to a move.
[@hirstclass/@polballus]
According to the aforementioned source, the 29-year-old turned down a move to the Etihad Stadium over fears of backlash from Manchester United supporters. He feared that his life in the North West would become 'unbearable' if he made the move, as per the report.
Guardiola's side were prepared to meet Pogba's wage demands if the report is to be believed. They were also willing to offer the Frenchman the chance to compete for a place in their regular starting XI.
However, the midfielder informed Manchester City of his decision to turn down the move two weeks ago, as per the report. He has made up his mind to move away from England instead.
#PogbaJuventus are planning for new direct contacts with Paul Pogba’s agents in the coming days. They feel he’s tempted by Juventus comeback even if their proposal is lower than Paris Saint-Germain. 🇫🇷 #Pogba
Pogba’s taking his time to decide while his agent is negotiating with clubs.
Juventus and PSG are thus the likelier options for the Manchester United midfielder. According to Romano, the Serie A giants are hopeful of convincing him to return to Italy despite their offer being lower than the one tabled by the Parisians.
Pogba has made 27 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils this term. He has scored one goal and provided nine assists in the process.
Carlos Tevez the last high-profile player to swap Manchester United for Manchester City
Pogba could have looked back at Carlos Tevez's experience in the North West before making a u-turn on a move to Manchester City. The Argentinean was the last high-profile player to leave Manchester United for the Cityzens.
Tevez joined the Red Devils on a two-year loan deal from West Ham United in the summer of 2007. He went on to sign for Manchester City in 2009 after returning to the London outfit.
However, the forward faced severe backlash from Red Devils supporters following the transfer. Pogba could get similar treatment if he decides to join Guardiola's side this summer.