Manchester United is 'no longer a club – it's a factory', claims Gerard Houllier after Jose Mourinho completes £100m Paul Pogba deal

Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier believes Paul Pogba may struggle to live up to his £100million price-tag at Manchester United, given the Red Devils now resemble a 'factory' rather than a football club.

Just four years after the French midfielder was allowed to leave Old Trafford by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Pogba has been brought back for a world record fee as the latest signing on a conveyor belt of big-money arrivals at Old Trafford.

With all eyes likely to be on him every time he takes to the field, Houllier is concerned his fellow countryman may struggle to meet the lofty expectations, at a club where high-profile players arrive each and every season and trophies are expected.



Paul Pogba is back at Manchester United after completing a £100m move from Juventus


But Gerard Houllier believes Pogba may struggle to meet expectations after his transfer
But while the likes of Arsene Wenger and current Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp have questioned the fee, former Anfield boss Houllier has admitted it makes sense given the size of United's operation off the pitch.

'It's no longer a club. It's a factory,' Houllier told L'Equipe.

'But he's not going to have £100m games every week, therefore you have to know his character. Then it depends on the club and the environment. The English want a star.

'Manchester United generate impressive income. £100m over five years? That's an instalment of £20m per season - it's reasonable when you have a budget of over £400m. Manchester United carry out purchases or sales every transfer window of around £40m.'



Former Liverpool boss Houllier has said United is 'no longer a club – it's a factory'


Manchester United have used social media heavily to build hype around Pogba's return

MANCHESTER UNITED'S FIRST FIVE FIXTURES


Bournemouth (away) - August 14

Southampton (home) - August 19

Hull City (away) - August 27

Man City (home) - September 10

Watford (away) - September 18

Houllier, who won an FA Cup, two League Cups and a UEFA Cup during his time at Liverpool, sees manager Jose Mourinho's role as vitally important if United are to get the best out of Pogba.

'The sum involved in the transfer has an inhibiting side. It could become a problem depending on the personality of the player, who shouldn't put himself under pressure in terms of that.

'That's why the manager's discourse is very important.'

Pogba could make his first appearance since returning to Old Trafford when the Red Devils open their Premier League season against Bournemouth on Sunday.




The former Juventus star could make his first appearance when United face Bournemouth