Pogba's invisible display in the 2016 UEFA Euro final may shatter his massive move back to Old Trafford. Several hours before the start of the match, Sky Sports announced that Real Madrid have officially pulled out of the race to sign the Juventus midfielder. The reason? Los Blancos got priced out by English giants Manchester United. Juventus' asking price of 123 million euros scared them off.
A stellar display for France in the Euro 2016 final would have underlined the Old Lady's claim that their player is worth this much. However, this was not to be. The Red Devils' target had 132 touches in the game (more than any other player on the pitch) and despite recording a 93 per cent passing accuracy, he won only two areal duels and made only one shot which was not on target.
Talks between Manchester United and Juve are still in progress but Pogba's failure to shine at the Stade de France on Sunday night could dent the Italians' chances of hitting the jackpot for his transfer. It remains to be seen how coach Jose Mourinho, who celebrated Portugal's victory on Instagram, finally rates Pogba's value days after opting to axe as many as eight players to fund the bid for his number one target.
In a piece for the Mirror, Robbie Fowler argued that Paul Pogba is not better than the ageing Bastian Schweinsteiger. He went further, singling out Leicester City's N'Golo Kante as a player who does not possess a 100M euros price tag but who still brings "energy and athleticism to midfield" in no fewer quantity than the much-wanted Juventus star.
"I’m sorry, but Pogba is massively overrated. [...] He hasn’t really stood out in Europe and most certainly not at these European Championships," Fowler wrote.
"He’s done OK against pretty limited opposition for France, but what does he bring?
"He’s skilful but selfish, not many goals, which for me is a fundamental problem if you’re going to spend £100m on him."
Meanwhile, fans and popular journalists on Twitter shared comments mocking Pogba's huge price tag. They had a field day slamming him for flopping.
Sissoko's and Matuidi's work ethic today has been unreal!
— Football Funnys (@FootballFunnys) July 10, 2016
It makes you wonder how Pogba is worth 100 mill.. pic.twitter.com/HYOme89a8C
£100m for Pogba is an absolute bargain for a player who has the ability to turn invisible for over 120 minutes
— Joshua (@LordOfThelngs) July 10, 2016
While Portugal celebrate Paul Pogba wonders if he's left the gas on pic.twitter.com/25IOZzHzJI
— BenchWarmers (@BeWarmers) July 10, 2016
Pogba may yet be become a superstar but he's a little off. He's still decorating games rather than dictating like the very best midfielders
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) July 10, 2016
Pogba is worth £25M. The remaining £75M is what his Barber demands. pic.twitter.com/ksdbNPiop4
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cr7Prince4ever) July 11, 2016
Trying to work out how Paul Pogba is worth 100 million like... #Euro2016Final pic.twitter.com/pPnvCeJRCh
— Football Vines (@FootballVines) July 10, 2016
Pogba can't believe it, asking himself how he's worth over €100million. No idea, Paul, no idea. #FRA
— Chelsea HQ (@Chelsea_HQ) July 10, 2016
Pogba's value may have dropped £20m after that. Eder's has gone up £20m, he's now worth £21m.
— Spencer FC (@SpencerOwen) July 10, 2016
Pogba 100m LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL daylight robbery
— Knighty (@LeonKnight_) July 10, 2016
When they bring the Pogba £100m deal to mourinho tomorrow morning pic.twitter.com/MF6o0VVcAx
— Captain Charisma (@D_iiW) July 10, 2016
When you bid £100 million for Paul Pogba pic.twitter.com/Wny28y9k5R
— Sportlobster (@sportlobster) July 10, 2016
If Pogba is worth £100 million then Joe Allen is worth £200 million.
— - (@AnfieldRd96) July 10, 2016
Man, if Pogba winds up costing 100m, what would Iniesta be worth?
— Soci 101,978 (@kevvwill) July 10, 2016
Pogba to United OFF Pogba to Burnley ON
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 10, 2016