Rio Ferdinand has slammed Manchester United for their handling of Paul Pogba’s contract, as the midfielder looks set to leave the club for a second time.
Pogba’s contract at Old Trafford is set to expire at the end of the season, with no indication that he will extend his stay at United. It means they face losing the 29-year-old once again, having already seen him depart on a free earlier in his career.
There has been plenty of speculation over where the France international could end up in the summer. A return to Juventus has been touted, while the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have also been tipped as possible destinations.
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Tellingly though, Pogba’s chances of staying at Old Trafford are rarely being spoken about. His impending departure represents a huge misstep from the club, having spent nearly £90m to bring him back in 2016, only to now see him leave for free for a second time.
Pogba’s time at United has divided opinion, with the midfielder showing glimpses of his obvious talent, but facing criticism for not producing on a regular basis. As his second spell at the club winds down, he has received more criticism for his recent displays as United’s hopes of a finish in the top four look to be fading away.
However, Ferdinand has aimed his anger at United's hierarchy. The former defender criticised his old club for the way in which Pogba’s contract has been allowed to expire, with the club neither cashing in nor tying him down to a longer deal.
“Business has been done poorly at the club,” Ferdinand told his FIVE YouTube channel. “We shouldn’t be allowing players to get down to this stage in their contracts. I don’t think it should happen.
“Economically, to let someone you’ve spent £80m, £90m on, plus wages, leave on a free transfer is absolutely criminal. Twice, it’s like they’ve pulled our pants down twice.”
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