Pogba could be a bargain signing for United – Neville
Gary Neville think the world-record deal for Paul Pogba will look “cheap” if he becomes as good as Manchester United legend Roy Keane.
The Red Devils paid £89million to Serie A side Juventus for the France international but Pogba will have to wait until United’s second league game of the season to make his debut as he is banned for Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth.
Neville, who has returned to his role at Sky Sports after an unsuccessful spell in management, is adamant that the 23-year-old will be worth the expensive fee if he can as successful as legends such as Keane and Bryan Robson.
“Manchester United have always broken transfer records for players who are of a certain age, just below their peak. Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney spring to mind,” Neville told the Daily Mirror.
See the goals from our most recent meeting with Bournemouth – the final @PremierLeague game of last season. https://t.co/B24bVc3OSC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 14, 2016
“But they are getting back to that blueprint with Pogba. He is two or three years short of his peak, but he is a profile signing the club would normally make.
“Now, to expect him to be like Bryan Robson or Keane would be placing far too much expectation upon him. But if Pogba gets anywhere near those levels – those of Robson and Keane – in five or six years’ time, he will be looked upon as cheap.
“That’s just how Ferdinand and Rooney are considered. Look at Rio. At the time everyone went, ‘£30m for a centre-back… wow!”
