Pogba: City celebrations would have been ‘like a death’
MANCHESTER
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba revealed his relief as preventing local rivals Manchester City from sealing the Premier League title on April 7, claiming watching City celebrate would have been “like a death” for United fans.
Pogba shrugged off a turbulent season and speculation over his future by scoring twice in as many minutes just after half-time to spearhead a stunning United comeback that was completed by Chris Smalling 21 minutes from time.
Victory for City would have seen Pep Guardiola’s men crowned as champions and take a United record in the process by winning the title with six games to spare.
“If they won they are champions, for all the fans it would be like death,” said the Frenchman.
“To lose against City and to see them celebrate, I couldn’t let that happen. At half-time in the dressing room we said we have nothing to lose.”
Barring an incredible collapse, City will still win the league in the coming weeks as the hold a 13-point lead over second-placed United.
However, Pogba issued a rallying cry for United to win back the battle for supremacy in Manchester next season.
“After a second half like this, we have to do that all the time. If we did we would be up there with City, and maybe even in front.”
Guardiola added more spice to an already hotly-anticipated clash when he claimed on April 6 he had been offered the chance to buy
Pogba two months ago by the player’s agent Mino Raiola. Pogba has often been dropped by United manager Jose Mourinho for the biggest games this season.
