In a Premier League match in April 2022, the midfielder was given a nasty send-off by his fans.
Manchester United may have won 3-2 against Norwich in the Premier League on Saturday, but things were not going well at Old Trafford, as evidenced by the reaction following Paul Pogba’s substitution.
When Pogba was substituted in the second half, the stadium erupted in boos, with the atmosphere becoming toxic until Cristiano Ronaldo scored the game-winning goal with a free-kick.
Why did Manchester United supporters boo Paul Pogba?
Fans demonstrating against Man Utd’s ownership before the game also expressed their displeasure with the players, with shouts and placards declaring them “unfit to wear the shirt” in evidence.
Pogba has become a lightning rod for Man United’s grievances this season, with the team on track to extend its trophy drought, which began in 2017.
He has also drawn criticism for his refusal to sign a new contract, meaning that a player who was purchased for a then-world-record amount of £89 million in 2017 would depart Man Utd as a free agent for the second time this summer.
The fans’ rage boiled over again as Man Utd drew 2-2 against bottom-placed Norwich at the time Pogba was substituted.
Pogba then reacted by cupping his ears in response to the supporters, further alienating the two parties.
What was the reaction to Paul Pogba being booed by Manchester United fans?
In response to the criticism directed at Pogba, Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick told Match of the Day: “I didn’t hear it, but I was told about it after the game.
“I understand the fans’ dissatisfaction; we are as well, but I don’t believe they should target individual players. That doesn’t seem appropriate or correct to me.”
Rangnick said in his post-match press conference on Pogba’s reaction to fans: “I didn’t witness it, but I did hear it. It was most likely his reply to the fans’ yelling.
“As I already stated, I can understand the fans and supporters in some ways, but it makes no sense to go after individual players.”
When does Paul Pogba’s contract with Manchester United expire?
Pogba’s contract expires in the summer, and with no new deal in sight, it appears increasingly probable that the World Cup champion will leave.
Will Paul Pogba remain at Manchester United?
While there is still time for a deal to be struck, Pogba is strongly connected with a move, with PSG and a return to Juventus being the most popular choices.