Paul Pogba and Manchester City had agreed personal terms before the player backed out of the move amid concerns over the reaction from the Manchester United fanbase, according to reports.
The midfielder will be a free agent in a matter of weeks with his Old Trafford contract set to expire. The two parties resigned themselves to a parting of ways and Pogba will now have a host of suitors eyeing his services. Juventus, Real Madrid and PSG are among the obvious destinations.
However, City emerged as a possible new home as they begin their summer business. Fernandinho will leave the Etihad this summer leaving Pep Guardiola to eye a new face in the middle of the park. Pogba was therefore seen as a target and the Times states that personal terms had been agreed.
Pogba has since changed his mind on moving across town, knowing full well how his transfer would be received on the red half of the city. The Frenchman has had two spells with United, his second very much underwhelming following his club-record return in 2016.
Carlos Tevez was the last notable mover within Manchester and his switch from red to blue caused huge anger over a decade ago. Any switch from Pogba would no doubt bring about the same reaction and that played a key role in the 29-year-old's decision to opt out of any move.
The Frenchman's last outing for the club came in their 4-0 mauling at Anfield. Pogba was forced off with an injury in the opening 10 minutes having already spent large periods of the season on the sidelines. Numerous United managers have failed to get the best out of Pogba, but Micah Richards felt he would've been a great signing for Guardiola despite the question marks over him.
He said on Sky Sports : "If he came to Man City, he would work hard. If we're talking about working hard, if you look at the way Man City play, they win the ball high up so if we're talking about working hard, he only needs to do five or 10-yard sprints with the rest of the team. They all go as a team. I would take him."
Jamie Carragher though was dead against the deal, stating: "They're a great team, brilliant manager with great individuals... I'm not doubting his quality but he doesn't work hard enough. If anyone says he gives 100 per cent in every game, that's a lie."
He also added: "Paul Pogba, whether in a French shirt or for Manchester United, shows unbelievable quality and does special things at different times but we're around six years in or however long he's been at United and we're still talking about his best position and who can get the best out of him."
