Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier believes Paul Pogba may struggle to live up to his £100million price-tag at Manchester United, given the Red Devils now resemble a ‘factory’ rather than a football club, reports Daily Mail.
Just four years after the French midfielder was allowed to leave Old Trafford by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Pogba has been brought back for a world record fee as the latest signing on a conveyor belt of big money arrivals at Old Trafford.
With all eyes likely to be on him every time he takes to the field, Houllier is concerned his fellow countryman may struggle to meet the lofty expectations, at a club where high profile players arrive each and every season and trophies are expected.
But while the likes of Arsene Wenger and current Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp have questioned the fee, former Anfield boss Houllier has admitted it makes sense given the size of United’s operation off the pitch.
‘It’s no longer a club. It’s a factory,’ Houllier told L’Equipe.
‘But he’s not going to have £100million games every week, therefore you have to know his character. Then it depends on the club and the environment. The English want a star.
‘Manchester United generate impressive income. £100million over five years? That’s an instalment of £20million per season – it’s reasonable when you have a budget of over £400million. Manchester United carry out purchases or sales every transfer window of around £40million.’
Houllier, who won an FA Cup, two League Cups and a UEFA Cup during his time at Liverpool, sees manager Jose Mourinho’s role as vitally important if United are to get the best out of Pogba.
‘The sum involved in the transfer has an inhibiting side. It could become a problem depending on the personality of the player, who shouldn’t put himself under pressure in terms of that.
‘That’s why the manager’s discourse is very important.’
Pogba could make his first appearance since returning to Old Trafford when the Red Devils open their Premier League season against Bournemouth on Sunday.
COMMENTS