Paul Pogba’s record-breaking return to Manchester United remains one of football’s most debated transfers, with fans still split over whether the French midfielder justified his €105 million price tag or became a symbol of the club’s struggles in the transfer market.
Nearly a decade after United shattered their transfer record to bring Pogba back from Juventus in 2016, supporters continue to argue over whether the move was a success, failure, or simply a victim of circumstance.
The discussion resurfaced online after fans revisited the staggering fee United paid for Pogba, with many pointing out that the midfielder remains the only time the club truly “broke the bank” for a superstar signing.
One fan joked: “So the only time United broke the bank was when they tried to buy a trophy cabinet on legs,” referencing Pogba’s decorated résumé following his successful spell in Italy.
Others took aim at United’s wider recruitment strategy, suggesting many expensive signings since then have failed to deliver.
“So every other signing was basically a ‘buy one, get none free’ deal,” another supporter quipped.
Despite criticism surrounding the transfer, a large section of the fanbase continues to defend Pogba’s second spell at Old Trafford. Many supporters argue the World Cup winner was worth the investment, especially considering the inflated transfer market in modern football.
“He was worth it,” one fan wrote, while another added: “One of the best €100m spent, look at €100m-plus players now.”
Several fans also pointed toward injuries as the biggest factor preventing Pogba from fully reaching expectations at Manchester United.
“If not for injury, Paul Pogba actually gave his best at Manchester United,” one supporter commented.
Others argued that Pogba’s transfer fee now looks less dramatic compared to modern spending trends.
“He was worth it back then, many current €100m players don’t deserve it,” another fan wrote.
However, critics remain unconvinced. Some supporters described the transfer as a financial mistake, arguing United never truly received value for the money spent.
“Manchester United won’t take the chances again. The €105M spent on Paul Pogba was a waste,” one fan claimed.
The circumstances surrounding the transfer continue to frustrate many United supporters. Pogba initially left the club for free in 2012, only for Manchester United to spend €105 million bringing him back four years later, before eventually allowing him to leave again for free in 2022.
“And the painful part? They let him leave for almost nothing, only to bring him back for €105m four years later,” one supporter wrote. “Football heritage or financial gymnastics? United fans are still debating it to this day.”
The wider debate has also raised a familiar question among football fans: Did Manchester United fail Pogba, or did Pogba fail to justify the hype?
While some believe United’s instability, managerial changes, and lack of structure prevented the midfielder from thriving, others argue the Frenchman simply never delivered consistently enough to justify becoming the face of the club’s rebuild.
One fan summed up the division perfectly by asking: “Did United fail Pogba, or did Pogba fail to justify the hype and price tag that came with his return?”
Years later, the answer remains as controversial as the transfer itself.
