Paul Pogba shared with ESPN that Michael Carrick has infused a new “energy” into the Manchester United squad this season, but cautioned that the team will need to “prove themselves” in next season’s Champions League.
After serving a doping ban, Pogba returned to the pitch in November with Monaco and has since made over 150 appearances for United throughout two different tenures at the club.
His career at United coincided with the conclusion of Carrick’s prestigious playing days at Old Trafford, and Carrick, now the United manager, coached Pogba during the later part of his tenure with the team.
Carrick took the reins at United in January after Ruben Amorim’s departure, leading to a resurgence in form that secured a third-place finish in the Premier League. He was later appointed as the permanent manager.
Reflecting on United’s season under Carrick, Pogba told ESPN in an exclusive interview: “I think it was a very good period for him and the players. They experienced a renewed energy, which was exactly what they needed.”
“With their return to the Champions League next year, it will present a significant challenge, and they must demonstrate their capabilities. Overall, it was a successful season for them in reclaiming the stature that Manchester United deserves.”
Following his comeback for Monaco, Pogba featured in six matches in Ligue 1, as he continues to navigate injuries.
The World Cup-winning midfielder, whose last appearance for France was in 2022, played a crucial role in securing France’s second World Cup victory in 2018.
Pogba expressed confidence in France’s chances of winning the World Cup again, noting that they narrowly missed defending their title in Qatar, where they were defeated by Argentina in the final.
“Absolutely. I believe everyone sees them as favorites,” he noted. “They have to be. They possibly possess some of the world’s best players.”
“However, talent alone isn’t enough to clinch a World Cup; that’s accompanied by immense pressure,” he continued, emphasizing the need for them to consistently uphold high standards.”
– World Cup 2026: Which players from your Premier League team are going?
– Keane: Fernandes and I had ‘lovely chat’ to quash assists dispute