Paul Pogba: 'I left Manchester United to silence critics'

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has revealed that he opted to leave Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson preferred Rafael da Silva to him for a match against Blackburn Rovers in 2011.

Despite United's midfield being depleted through injury, Pogba could only earn a place on the bench at Ewood Park after then manager Ferguson selected right-back Rafael, and the Frenchman says that was the catalyst for him to seek a move elsewhere.

The 20-year-old told Telefoot: "I said to Ferguson: 'Play me, and I will show you if I'm ready or not'.

"Against Blackburn on December 31, 2011, I was on the bench. Ferguson puts Rafael in midfield with Park Ji-Sung. Then I gave up. I was really bummed.

"I joined Juve to silence people who have criticised me, who did not believe in me and said that I would fail."

Pogba has since established himself in Serie A, making 40 appearances at the Italian club.