Report: Pogba rejected Manchester City transfer due to backlash fears

Backlash concerns from Manchester United supporters prevented Paul Pogba from completing a blockbuster transfer to Manchester City, according to Paul Hirst of The Times.

Manchester City agreed to meet Pogba's wage demands but the French international opted against joining Pep Guardiola's squad due to the negative reactions that the controversial transfer would likely trigger.

He felt that joining United's bitter rivals would result in his life becoming "unbearable" and informed the Premier League leaders two weeks ago that he wouldn't join, Hirst adds.

Pogba is set to become a free agent this summer when his Manchester United contract expires at the end of June. Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Real Madrid are considered the front-runners to sign the 29-year-old on a free transfer.

The midfielder led the Red Devils with nine assists in 20 Premier League appearances before his season was cut short because of a calf injury.