The struggle was real for Paul Pogba when Manchester United ended the 2018-19 season with no trophies to boast. The Frenchman admitted he started the current campaign uninspired, which was reflected by his attempts to leave Old Trafford, possibly to search for glory and honor elsewhere.
It has been a difficult season for Pogba as he had to deal with injuries and criticisms. The latter came his way due to the perception that he was not 100% for the Red Devils and the intent to walk out is always an option.
In part, the 27-year-old admitted that disappointments killed his motivation right after the last season. That term ended with Pogba as United's leading scorer but the achievement became meaningless when his club finished without titles, The Daily Mail reported.
"Last year we didn't win any trophies and I felt empty. We just have to keep working to get there," Pogba was reported as saying.
The United star, however, has been rejuvenated since his return when the Premier League resumed last June. He is in his best form and his attitude has changed for the better, as attested by United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United again scored a win against Crystal Palace on Thursday and that marked the side's victory No. 19 with no defeat since January this year. Clearly, Pogba's hopes and enthusiasm are looking up and he is now shooting for the Europa League and FA Cup titles.
The World Cup winner attributed the renewed spirit to his positive outlook as he stressed that negativity and criticism don't bother him at all. That's because he is blessed already and the focus is to play football and the play the game good for United, Pogba said.
United legend Michal Owen said a new Pogba has indeed emerged after the three-month lockdown. Owen pointed out that the midfielder appeared more determined to showcase what he's got, and the club hero made clear that the player is one of a kind.
"He's unique. absolutely unique. He's absolutely brilliant. He's strong, he's quick, he can pass it, he can score, he can head it he can do virtually everything on a football pitch," Metro reported the pundit as saying.
It seemed apparent as well that the new Pogba is more deliberate and relaxed. Owen suggested that the Frenchman is thriving more because his teammates are getting most of the attention now, and he can play on the pitch without much of the scrutiny of the past.
With Bruno Fernandes around and the right team members working with him, Pogba appeared to be flourishing than before.
