An overwhelming sense of sadness shrouded the pleasure of spending a couple of hours yesterday watching footage of Paul Pogba’s supreme moments at Manchester United, particularly the passing, the elegant way in which he releases Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial with a swish of his right foot.

Such joy became dragged into frustration at a feeling of exceptional talent insufficiently expressed, of the likelihood of Pogba eventually leaving next year with greatness unfulfilled at United, a World Cup winner who never fully delivered at Old Trafford. Regrets? Club and player should have a few.

The undeniable impression of wasted opportunity felt particularly poignant after listening to a senior figure at Old Trafford describe Pogba as a “perfect professional”, a likeable individual far removed from the