We really do try our best not to get involved in the relentless flow of transfer gossip that’s about at this time of year.
Sometimes though, it’s simply unavoidable – especially when it’s being reported that the world record transfer fee is on the brink of being shattered.
We are of course referring to Paul Pogba’s rumoured return to Manchester United.
As we all know, a frustrated Pogba left Manchester for Juventus four years ago, moaning to anyone within earshot about how he was disrespected by Sir Alex Ferguson, who once famously opted to leave an 18-year-old Pogba on the United bench while fielding right back Rafael Da Silva in central midfield.
In his time in Italy, Pogba has proven to everyone that he *probably* was a better option to Rafael.
Things have changed considerably at Old Trafford in that time. Sir Alex has long since retired and new boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen to break the bank to bring the Frenchman back to Old Trafford.
We’re still taking the stories that Pogba is set to return for a £100m fee with a sizeable pinch of salt, but with Sky Sports and their trusty sources telling the world that United have opened talks with Juventus on Thursday afternoon, people are starting to think that this could be a deal that actually does happen.
TOP STORY: Man Utd in talks over £100m move for Paul Pogba, according to Sky sources: https://t.co/VHH4stbDXV https://t.co/xCMawHzC1w
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 7, 2016
The news has breathed fresh life into the old ‘buying success’ debate – a topic United fans have argued with Manchester City supporters with on many occasions in the last few years.
In short, United fans have been frustrated that City have only become a successful side because of the hundreds of millions of pounds pumped into the club since Sheikh Mansour’s 2008 takeover.
On the other hand, City supporters claim that United’s successes over the years have also involved them splashing the cash (regardless of the fact United’s past successes were a significant factor in funding such transfer moves).
In their eyes, a big money move for Pogba is slightly hypocritical.
Why don't Utd fans get that it isn't spending £100M on Pogba that's the issue. It's the hypocrisy of it after their 'buying success' moans.
— Andy (@AndyDM20) July 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/paulgrdn/status/750829516180885505
Matuidi, Zlatan, Mhkitariyan, Bailly. Maybe even Pogba. Talk about buying your way to success. #Jose
— bruised 🍌 (@punkrockshake) July 4, 2016
Pogba Mkhitaryan Ibrahim Bailly?! I think United have lost the right to make fun of City for "buying" success.
— Aditya (@identickle) July 7, 2016
It's not surprising Man United fans are quieter these days with their accusations of other teams trying to buy success! Pogba €120m
— Stephen Holt (@StephenEHolt) July 7, 2016
If we were buying pogba I guarantee it wouldn't be called a "signal of intent" would be a lot closer to buying the league
— Sir John Stones (@buyingtheleague) July 7, 2016
It’s worth pointing out at this stage that the deal to take Pogba back to Old Trafford is nowhere near done. Real Madrid are also said to be interested in the player and it wouldn’t be unheard of for such stories being leaked to the press as a way of prompting the European Champions into making their own move.
Expect this one to rumble on for a good while yet.
