Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has resumed his career after almost two years out of action.
Manchester United’s record signing Paul Pogba is a player who divides opinion. The midfielder won the World Cup in 2018 – but at Old Trafford he was unable to inspire the team to sustained success.
Pogba won trophies at United in his debut 2016-17 season, and that was it. He left Manchester United in 2022 as a frustrated player, who failed to deliver a single standout moment in the Champions League.
Pogba played in seven knockout Champions League games for United. He failed to score, assist, and United lost five and drew two. He also picked up a red card.
It was not the return United expected from his £89 million transfer fee, or his substantial salary.
Pogba, 32, now returns to the Champions League with Monaco, having signed a deal with the Ligue 1 club, on far more modest wages.
Paul Pogba signs for Monaco
Paul Pogba has relaunched his career with Monaco after an extended spell out of the game.
Pogba had been banned after failing a drugs test, the result of which he disputed. This led to him leaving Juventus and becoming a free agent.
Now with Monaco, Pogba has agreed a two-year deal worth €3.84 million per year, according to L’Equipe.
This is a severe drop on his final contract with Manchester United. Pogba is earning just 21 per cent of what he earned at Old Trafford.
Pogba was earning €17.6 million per year at Manchester United in the 2021/22 season, Business Insider reported.
He wanted a more lucrative extension from United, which the club were considering paying to avoid the embarrassment of losing him on a free transfer for the second time.
Pogba could have earned more outside of Monaco
Paul Pogba did not have the attention of Europe’s elite clubs, for several reasons. It has been a while since he played at the elite level.
His final season with Manchester United was disappointing, and his return to Juventus was badly affected by injuries, and that was before his ban.
His salary and deal at Monaco is based on past achievements rather than current offering, where he will be among the club’s best paid players.
However, Pogba could have earned more if he took a move to the Saudi Pro League or possibly even the MLS.
French outlet CNews report that Pogba’s desire to play for Monaco is focused on his aspiration to earn a recall to the France national team for the 2026 World Cup.
It is a lofty ambition, but a motivated Pogba could be a force to be reckoned with in Ligue 1 next season, if his body can hold up.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
