Paul Pogba has shared his take on Manchester United’s cancellation of Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassador contract with the club.
The move to ‘axe’ Ferguson, led by the INEOS-led board, has sparked a storm on social media, with fans and former players alike criticising the decision as ‘ruthless’ and ‘disrespectful’.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Pogba struck a contemplative tone when asked what he thought about the decision.
Pogba pointed towards the Scotsman’s many achievements in an illustrious 27-year career at Old Trafford.
‘Does it change what he has done for the club?’ Pogba said, returning a question about INEO’s decision to cut ties with the 82-year-old.
Paul Pogba has reflected on Manchester United’s decision to cut Sir Alex Ferguson’s contract
Ferguson, 82, is an ambassador for the club he spent 27 years at, and where he won an unprecedented 13 league titles, five FA Cups, two Champions Leagues and four League Cups
‘The only thing I hear is that he won’t get paid anymore. Sir Alex Ferguson will still be Sir Alex Ferguson. He is still in their history and will be forever.’
The quotes were shared by journalist Fabrizio Romano on X.
Pogba, who made seven appearances across all competitions for Ferguson’s United between 2011 and 2012, also downplayed speculation that the decision was purely financially motivated – and this doesn’t affect his standing at the club.
The only thing I hear is the money!’ Pogba continued, adding: ‘He is Sir Alex Ferguson, a legend, and always will be at Man United.’
It’s believed finances were a major influence driving the decision to cut Ferguson’s contract, as INEOS embark on a set of major cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford, which so far have included scaling back on new hires and redundancies for back-office staff.
It’s been reported the face-to-face meeting between Sir Alex and club directors ‘was amicable’, and that the decision to leave the role at the end of the season was made mutually.
Under Ferguson, United won a record 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, two Champions League trophies and four League Cups, including the famous treble of 1999.
Ferguson was manager when when Man United last won a league title, after the 2012-13 Premier League campaign – now, over a decade ago.
Since then, United have looked a shadow of their former selves. They’ve had five different managers, and won just three trophies in that 11-year period.
Paul Pogba (left) featured seven times for Sir Alex, between 2011 and 2012 before leaving for Serie A side, Juventus. He would eventually return to United in 2016.
Pogba resigned for United in 2016 for a world-record £89.3m for then-manager Jose Mourinho
Pogba resigned for United from Juventus in 2016 for a then-world-record fee of £89.3million (€105m) for then-manager Jose Mourinho, before returning to Juventus again in 2022.
Now 31, Pogba has been serving a four-year ban for a doping offence, but his suspension was reduced to 18 months following a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
He can resume training in January 2025 and is free to start playing again from March 2025. He remains a Juventus player, but it’s likely the French international will move away from the club, with Ligue 1 and the MLS mooted destinations.
