Louis Saha slams Man United transfer policy amid ‘sad’ Paul Pogba exit

Louis Saha has suggested Manchester United allowing Paul Pogba to run out his contract and leave for free was a major error.

The club confirmed on Wednesday that the player was indeed leaving after months of speculation. He arrived in 2016 from Juventus for a then-world record fee of £89million, but many supporters feel he did not live up to his price tag.

Saha has taken a diplomatic view of Pogba’s departure from Old Trafford. The former United striker said that while he understood Pogba’s frustrations with injury and other aspects, ultimately his time at the club was “disappointing”.

READ MORE: Manchester United confirm Paul Pogba departure

Speaking to Sky Sports said he recognises “some parts of the fans’ frustration”, especially given his quality status. Speaking about Pogba’s six-year stay at United, he said: “I am disappointed, sad really. He’s a top player and someone I rate really highly.

“I can understand there is frustration on both ends but at the same time it’s a transition for everybody. There are no more excuses, for Paul as well he looked for a platform where everything would be in his way and nothing was like as he imagined at Manchester United.”

Saha went on to criticise United for not getting a return on the £89m they splashed out for the World Cup winning midfielder and that off-the-field talk had not helped Pogba. He called on new boss Erik ten Hag to sort out the disharmony that’s been evident within the squad.

He added: “The club really should’ve looked forward for some achievement from that (transfer) but to leave for zero is definitely bad business. Strong decisions need to be taken going forward.

“The new manager and board staff have thought carefully about this and in need of change and more respect for the institutions.” He continued: “Things like discussion on paper (leaks) than on the field hasn’t been healthy.

“Paul Pogba hasn’t had the effect we had all hoped, so I think it’s time to clean up, in some way, the situation where players are unhappy or unsettled.”

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