Man Utd claim Paul Pogba should be ‘applauded and celebrated’ as star’s departure is announced

Manchester United have announced Paul Pogba will leave the club this summer on a free transfer.

The Frenchman’s current contract expires ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and the club confirmed on Wednesday that, for the second time in his career, Pogba will depart without the club earning a fee.

In total, Pogba made 233 senior appearances as a United player and scored 39 goals.

The player is reportedly keen on a return to Juventus, while Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the French international.

What did United say?

Pogba spent six years as a senior United player, returning to the club in 2016 for a world-record fee of £93m from Juventus, whom he had signed for four years prior.

But his stint at Old Trafford was mixed, with great performances too often followed by abject showings, while there were also questions surrounding his attitude and application.

In fact, in his final home game Pogba was booed off the field by the home supporters - an indication of how low his stock had fallen in their eyes.

Despite that, United’s statement to announce his departure was warm, with the club thanking the Frenchman for his contributions over the past six years.

“The club can announce that Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United at the end of June, upon the expiry of his contract,” the Red Devils wrote on their website.

“The Frenchman has enjoyed a long association with United, having joined the club’s Academy from Le Havre at the age of just 16.”

United then went on to reflect on Pogba’s progression at Juventus, returning to United and his highlights - including scoring in the 2017 Europa League final, the 2018 comeback win at the Etihad, his impressive 2018/19 campaign and winning the World Cup with France.

However, they added it had been a ‘low-key’ end to his United career.

“Pogba’s final season at the club started off in hugely promising fashion, with an astonishing four assists in our opening-day thrashing of Leeds United, but more injury problems would ultimately derail his ambitions.

“It was a low-key end to a United career that had brought so many individual high moments, so many beautiful goals, assists and pieces of skill.

“But for a boy that joined the Academy at 16 to make over 200 United appearances and lift the Youth Cup, along with two major pieces of silverware – not to mention the World Cup at international level – is something that should be applauded and celebrated.

“Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Paul on his successful career, and thank him for his contributions to Manchester United.

“We wish him all the best for the next steps on a remarkable journey.”