Football history is littered with stories of clubs letting go of players too soon, only to watch them blossom elsewhere into global superstars. Yet few examples sting quite as much as the one former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettinorecently revisited in a candid and explosive interview.
With a tone of disbelief, the Argentine boss did not hold back when reflecting on Manchester United’s decision to sell one particular player back in 2019. The fee? A mere £17 million. The outcome? A nightmare for United fans, as that same player is now widely regarded as one of the best in the world, a serial trophy-winner, and a name that dominates headlines every weekend.
Pochettino’s words were blunt:
“Manchester United were foolish for selling him. They let him go for just £17 million, and today he has become the best player in the world. He is on top of the world.”
The Transfer That Changed Everything
Back in 2019, when the player in question was allowed to leave Old Trafford, many within the football community saw it as a strange but not necessarily disastrous decision. United were in the middle of a chaotic rebuild, with managers changing, philosophies clashing, and young talent often being overlooked in favor of more established stars.
The player was talented, yes, but not yet the finished product. Some critics argued he lacked consistency. Others questioned whether he had the mentality to thrive under the immense pressure of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. In the end, United chose cash over patience, and for just £17M, they waved him goodbye.
Fast forward to 2025, and that decision looks nothing short of catastrophic.
From Forgotten Talent to Global Superstar
The rise of this former United man has been nothing short of meteoric. Within just a few seasons of leaving Manchester, he reinvented himself. With the right environment, better coaching, and a club that believed in his abilities, he went from being a promising youngster to a lethal, world-class performer.
- Domestic dominance: He became a key figure in his new club’s push for league titles, often producing match-winning performances against the biggest rivals.
- European glory: He lifted the Champions League trophy, silencing doubters and showing he could deliver on the grandest stage.
- Individual brilliance: Week after week, defenders struggled to contain him. His goals, assists, and overall impact made him a household name across continents.
No longer was he the player United fans occasionally groaned about; he was now the one every supporter in red wished had never left.
Pochettino’s Explosive Take
Mauricio Pochettino, who has worked with some of the best young talents in world football, was asked about this player’s transformation during a media event. His response was a mix of admiration for the player and criticism of United’s decision-makers.
“They simply didn’t see what they had,” Pochettino said. “You cannot allow a talent of that magnitude to leave for so little. Every coach could see he had the qualities to become world-class. Sometimes players need time, sometimes they need trust. At Manchester United, he didn’t get enough of either.”
It’s a stinging critique, but one that resonates with many observers who have long questioned United’s recruitment and retention strategies over the past decade. For every young player they nurtured, there seemed to be another they let slip away.
United Fans Left Wondering
Perhaps the cruelest part of this saga is the emotional toll it has taken on Manchester United’s supporters. Social media is filled with frustrated fans venting about the one that got away. Clips of the player’s best moments — dazzling dribbles, unstoppable goals, and trophy celebrations — are constantly reposted, often with bitter captions like “Imagine if he had stayed…”
For a fanbase that has endured years of underachievement since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson, this particular misstep feels especially painful. Not only did United lose a future superstar, but they also lost him for what now looks like pocket change compared to his current market value, which has skyrocketed well beyond £100M.
How Did United Get It So Wrong?
The question lingers: how could a club with United’s resources, scouting network, and history of developing talent misjudge things so badly?
Several theories circulate among pundits:
- Managerial Instability – In 2019, United were still cycling through managers quickly. Without stability, young players often found themselves cast aside rather than developed.
- Short-Term Thinking – United were desperate for immediate results and failed to recognize the long-term potential of the player.
- Poor Player Management – Some believe the club simply didn’t handle his development properly, failing to give him the confidence or opportunities needed.
- The Wrong System – At the time, the team’s tactics did not suit his style, making it easier to justify selling him.
Whatever the explanation, the outcome is the same: United are left with regrets, while another club reaps the rewards.
A Beast on the World Stage
What makes this story even more striking is just how complete the player has become. He is no longer simply a flair player or an exciting youngster. He has developed into a beast on the world stage — strong, fast, technically brilliant, and mentally sharp.
He is the player opposition defenders fear, the one fans pay extra money to watch, and the one who delivers in clutch moments. His transformation is a reminder of how thin the line can be between potential and greatness — and how patience can make all the difference.
The Final Word
Mauricio Pochettino’s comments may sting United fans, but they carry weight. The Argentine is not known for cheap soundbites. His verdict reflects the consensus among much of the football community: Manchester United made a colossal mistake in 2019, and it is one they will be reminded of every time this player shines on the global stage.
