Souness: Pogba's £89m Transfer To Manchester United Is Not Value For Money

Paul Pogba's world-record transfer to Manchester United doesn't represent value for money, according to Graeme Souness.

The France international became the most expensive player in football history on Tuesday as United parted with an initial £89m to bring him back to Old Trafford, four years after he was allowed to leave the club for a nominal fee.

Pogba matured during his four years at Juventus and returns to United having played a key role in the club's four Serie A, two Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cup triumphs.

Despite this, Souness is yet to be convinced by the midfielder and feels United have paid over the odds for the 23-year-old.

"For a midfield player of his standing it's too much money," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "No matter what he achieves, I don't think he's worth £89m.

"For that kind of money you're looking for the finished article, someone who changes games on a regular basis - I've not witnessed that from Pogba yet.

"I'm yet to be convinced. He has a great deal of potential, and he's at a great age but £89m is too much for me for what he has shown to me last year and at Euro 2016.

"The really big money goes for the game-changers who get 30, 40 and, in Luis Suarez's case, 50 goals a season. I don't see that. I don't see the value in it."

Pogba could make his second United debut on Super Sunday as the club get their Premier League campaign underway against Bournemouth, live on Sky Sports 1.

The signing caps an impressive summer of transfer business for new United boss Jose Mourinho, who has been swift in bringing Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the club.

Souness admits Pogba is not to blame for the inflated transfer fee but has reservations over his ability to produce on a consistent basis.

"You have to say Jose Mourinho has been backed to the hilt by the club in this," he added. "Manchester United, like all the giant clubs out there, have had to pay a premium.

"However, the boy is a talent and it's not his fault they've paid that much.

"Pogba can kid you because he is such a wonderful athlete when he moves, he's so smooth he's like a Rolls Royce.

"As I've said, I'm yet to be convinced, I've seen him flit in and out of games. But he is only 23 and the potential is there."

Credit: Skysports.com