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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Isaac Johnson

Paul Pogba told why Casemiro would have got the ‘best’ out of him at Manchester United

Paul Pogba has been told he would have benefitted from playing alongside Casemiro if he had stayed at Manchester United.

The Frenchman left Old Trafford under a cloud last summer after a breakdown in his relationship with fans amid tepid performances. The midfielder returned to Juventus, who he left for United in 2016 for £89m, but has suffered an injury-hit campaign.

He played just 10 times for the Serie A giants this season, having missed the World Cup due to knee surgery before making his second club debut in February. However, an abductor muscle injury and a hamstring setback sidelined him again.

Pogba was a divisive figure at United, with many criticising his output in the final few years of his time at Old Trafford. Some questioned his commitment to the club after struggling to find consistency on the pitch.

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Former United striker Louis Saha believes Casemiro would have been a positive influence on Pogba had he stayed. The Brazilian arrived in August, two months after Pogba’s exit, and went on to become one of United’s players of the season.

Speaking to Betway, Saha said: “Paul Pogba would have played at his best if he played alongside Casemiro. The impact Casemiro has had on Manchester United's team is massive. I love Pogba, but he needed a teammate to help with his devotement to the club.

“No player had the stature of Casemiro that could have made Pogba listen, teach him and play alongside him in the midfield. Players like Bruno Fernandes, Fred or Scott McTominay all know what approach to have on the pitch and know what they need to do.

“Even players like Marcus Rashford have improved massively, and it's because Casemiro was able to change these guys into better players. I'm sure Pogba would have loved to play alongside him, he must regret his decision to move back to Juventus now.”

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