Manchester United found the perfect response to their critics last season by ending the campaign with three trophies, Paul Pogba told Esquire Magazine.

United were criticised for a lack of style during their first season under Jose Mourinho after struggling in front of goal, scoring just 54 times in the Premier League, 31 fewer than champions Chelsea.

But Pogba has insisted beautiful football means nothing without silverware. And United's haul of the Community Shield, EFL Cup and Europa League means they had a successful year.

"I accept that we didn't play well, we didn't do this, we didn't do that. I know what we did -- we won three trophies. That's all I know," Pogba said.

"And that's all that matters. Because you can be the best team in the world, you can play great football and you win zero trophies. And who remembers them? No one. Right?"

Pogba, who came up through United's academy, scored nine goals over 51 appearances in his first season back at Old Trafford following his record-breaking £89.3 million move from Juventus.

Paul Pogba says he forgot about his record-braking transfer fee after a week. Alex Broadway - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

The midfielder, though, insists he forgot the huge fee after just a week.

He added: "After one week, I forgot. It's people that reminded me. Because at the end of the day, when you die, the most expensive and the less expensive, they go in the same grave. So I don't even think about it."

A tough season for Pogba was made even more difficult when his father, Fassou Antoine, died in May aged 79 following a long-term illness.

Pogba said: "When you lose someone you love, you don't think the same way. And that's why I say I enjoy life, because it goes very fast. I remember when I was talking to my dad and now he's not here.

"My dad was a very strong man, very stubborn as well, he fought, but at his age it's not easy. No, he was a very good man, a very good dad and I'm proud to be his son.

"He was one of the funniest guys ever, so funny. Every time you had time with him you were laughing. Very clever as well, because he was a professor. You have to remember the happy things."

Pogba will begin preparing for his second season back at United when Mourinho's squad report back to Carrington next week.

This summer marks five years since he decided to quit Old Trafford for Juventus over a lack of playing time.

But the 24-year-old insists he always knew he would be back.

"I left Manchester to play. That's all I wanted. Even though I was young, I felt I could play now and I didn't want to wait," he said.

"So if it wasn't with Manchester it would be with someone else. But in my mind, I knew: 'It's not finished, I might come back.' My mum told me this: 'You'll come back one day.'"

Earlier on Thursday, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri lauded Pogba, but said he did not try to keep him at the Old Lady once he learned of Manchester United's historic offer.

"Pogba is extraordinary because he has physicality and technique," Allegri said in an interview with Sky. "I did nothing to keep Pogba, because when the club told me the numbers..."