Paul Scholes has made a candid admission about Paul Pogba’s first departure from Manchester United, acknowledging that he may have played a part in the French midfielder’s decision to leave Old Trafford.
Pogba left Manchester United in 2012 after failing to agree a new contract and subsequently joined Juventus. Looking back at the circumstances surrounding that decision, Scholes believes his own return to the first team contributed to Pogba receiving fewer opportunities.
The former Manchester United midfielder made the revelation on the podcast The Good, The Bad & The Football, reflecting on a period when Pogba was beginning to attract attention after impressing in the club’s academy.
“I’m half the reason he went the first time,” Scholes said.
The admission provides another perspective on one of the most discussed departures from Manchester United during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.
Paul Scholes Returned as Pogba Waited for Opportunities
Scholes had originally retired from professional football at the age of 36. However, he later made a surprise return to Manchester United and quickly became a regular presence in the team.
That timing was significant for Pogba.
The French midfielder was emerging through Manchester United’s academy and had begun receiving opportunities with the senior squad. His performances had created expectations that he could eventually become a regular first-team player.
However, Scholes’ return changed the situation in midfield.
According to Scholes, he began playing every week again, which made it more difficult for Pogba to establish himself as a regular starter.
The former England international believes that situation contributed to Pogba and his representatives becoming frustrated with the lack of playing time.
“I came back playing every week. Then his agent was turning down a few contracts and things like that,” Scholes explained.
“I think that’s why he went. So, I’m partly responsible!”
Pogba Wanted More First-Team Football
Pogba had joined Manchester United academy from Le Havre when he was 16 years old.
The midfielder quickly developed a reputation as one of the promising young talents at the club. His technical ability and physical qualities made him an intriguing prospect for Ferguson.
His senior debut eventually arrived in September 2011.
Ferguson gave Pogba his first-team debut during Manchester United’s League Cup match against Leeds United. It represented an important step in the youngster’s development.
However, breaking into a Manchester United midfield filled with experienced players was never going to be straightforward.
Pogba reportedly wanted more regular opportunities, while the club was trying to manage his development.
At the beginning of the 2011/12 season, Ferguson had already indicated that Pogba’s camp could push for a move if the midfielder did not receive a regular place in the first team.
That situation eventually became more complicated as negotiations over a new contract failed to produce an agreement.
Juventus Won the Race for Pogba
Pogba eventually left Manchester United in 2012 and joined Juventus.
Ferguson was unhappy with the circumstances surrounding the departure and believed the player had shown a lack of respect toward the club.
For Manchester United, losing a highly rated academy player was a significant disappointment.
For Pogba, however, the move to Italy became the beginning of an important stage in his career.
At Juventus, he developed into one of Europe’s most prominent midfielders and established himself as a major international player with France.
His progress also made his eventual return to Manchester United a major storyline.
Pogba Returned to Manchester United in 2016
Four years after leaving Old Trafford, Pogba returned to Manchester United.
The club signed him from Juventus in 2016 for a fee of £89 million, which was a world-record transfer fee at the time.
His return created huge expectations.
Pogba was no longer the academy prospect who had struggled for regular opportunities. He was now an established midfielder returning to the club as one of the most expensive players in football history.
During his second spell at Manchester United, Pogba helped the club win the Europa League and the League Cup.
However, his second stint at Old Trafford was also marked by injuries, inconsistent form and intense scrutiny.
His relationship with the club and his future repeatedly became subjects of discussion before he eventually left Manchester United again.
Scholes’ Admission Adds Another Layer to Pogba’s Story
Pogba’s first departure from Manchester United has often been discussed in terms of contract negotiations, playing time and his relationship with Ferguson.
Scholes’ latest comments add another perspective.
The former midfielder believes his unexpected return from retirement had an impact on Pogba’s opportunities at precisely the time when the young Frenchman wanted to establish himself.
The situation highlights how difficult it can be for young players to break into an elite squad.
Even when a talented academy player is performing well, competition for places can prevent immediate opportunities.
In Pogba’s case, Scholes’ return provided another experienced option in midfield, making the pathway into the starting XI even more challenging.
Where Pogba’s Career Stands Now
Pogba later experienced a remarkable career away from Manchester United, particularly during his time at Juventus and with the France national team.
He also became a World Cup winner with France, further establishing his status as one of the most recognizable midfielders of his generation.
At the time of the latest development described here, the 33-year-old is without a club after his contract with Monaco was terminated.
Monaco had been Pogba’s first club after he served a suspension from football related to a doping case.
His career has therefore come full circle in many ways, from a teenager trying to break into Manchester United’s first team to an established star who later returned to Old Trafford.
Scholes’ admission now offers a fascinating look back at the beginning of that journey.
For the Manchester United legend, Pogba’s first departure was not simply a case of the player choosing to leave. Scholes believes the circumstances around playing time, including his own return to the team, played a part in the decision.
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