Speaking on his Here We Go podcast (via Route One Football), transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Paul Pogba only stayed at Manchester United as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Indeed, former club Juventus were reportedly eager to bring the Frenchman back to Turin as they  embarked on their new project under the tutelage of Andrea Pirlo. The Juve boss formed a successful midfield partnership with Pogba between 2011 and 2015 and was seemingly keen to refresh that area of the squad with his signing. 

Pogba has come under criticism for United for much of his time in England after a world-record move back to Old Trafford in 2016. While he has helped the Red Devils win the League Cup and the Europa League during his time there, the 26-year-old has never been far away from the scathing eyes of pundits for his inconsistent form.

Juventus, who eventually brought in Weston McKennie, are undergoing a rebuild in the middle of the park. Blaise Matuidi left for Inter Miami and there were suggestions Sami Khedira could be released as they looked to evolve their squad into one that could seriously challenge for the Champions League. 

Given the fact that even last season, a campaign during which Pogba struggled with injury, he averaged more shots, key passes and dribbles than any of Juve's central midfield options still at the club this year, it's easy to see why they were interested despite his struggles and likely rather huge transfer fee. 

Pogba

GIVEMESPORT's Jonathan Gorrie says... 

In all honesty, it probably is time for Pogba to leave Manchester United. Not because he doesn't have the talent but, after almost half a decade back at the Theatre of Dreams, the move has only looked like working out on fleeting occasions. 

Bruno Fernandes has largely taken the role of the creator in their midfield and, with them both in the side, the team can look unbalanced tactically - much as it did when Tottenham cut through them with ease last weekend. 

Clearly, the coronavirus epidemic has far more serious consequences both in life and the footballing world in general but the fact it looks to have stopped United potentially bringing a big fee must be a source of frustration.