Paul Pogba to Man City: Jamie Redknapp describes the deal as a “no-brainer,” but Jamie Carragher believes he “wouldn’t go near him”
Manchester United’s contract with Paul Pogba ends at the end of the season. On the other hand, Manchester City are interested in signing the French World Cup champion. However, Jamie Redknapp deems the transaction a “no-brainer,” but Jamie Carragher is concerned about the 29-year-old’s work rate.
Pogba has been chastised for his performances for United in recent years, but he has also been courted by some of Europe’s greatest clubs throughout that period, with City now reportedly concerned with making him the latest player to cross the Manchester divide. The 29-year-old has started a debate during his club career, and the Sky Sports analysts argued whether he would be a decent signing for the Premier League leaders in the Super Sunday studio.
Pogba’s arrival would be a “great coup” for City, according to Jamie Redknapp, and might provide further motivation for Pogba to retaliate for the abuse he experienced while playing for United, City’s arch-rivals.
He said: “It would be an incredible move and one that if I’m honest I haven’t seen coming. But you have to weigh it up; it’s a free transfer, he’ll have a point to prove because he’s taken a lot of stick while he’s been at Manchester United. I’ve always watched Pep Guardiola in games between United and City, and he’s always gone over to him and had dialogue. He respects him as a player.”
Pogba would have to improve his effort rate to fit in at the Etihad, but both Redknapp and former Manchester City defender Micah Richards believed he would rise to the mark in the Premier League champions’ environment. Pogba’s work rate is also a factor in any City deal, according to Jamie Carragher, but his attitude concerns suggest Guardiola should avoid adding the Frenchman’s great technical skill to his squad.
He argued: “I wouldn’t go anywhere near him. You win the league every year, you get 95 to 100 points every year, but Paul Pogba doesn’t work hard enough or as much as these other City players.” Carragher was asked if Guardiola’s high demands as a manager would be enough to drive Pogba to reach the levels he achieved when playing for France, with whom he won the World Cup in 2018, but the former Liverpool defender was skeptical.
