In an era in when footballers send hollow 'apologies' after poor results and missing penalties on social media, where fan sentiment graphs are used to manipulate narratives among supporters, candid and honest interviews are somewhat of a rarity.
Paul Pogba's recent interview with French outlet Le Figaro defied that general rule of thumb. It's hardly surprising that Pogba was more inclined to speak openly to media in his home country using his native language, but the extent of his candidness in the tabloid piece published on Wednesday understandably made headlines. This was Pogba like few have seen him. It was a brutally honest chat.
Pogba has always been a good talker and his comments are good value when he gets the opportunity to speak to the media. His interview this week seemed to come with no topic off limits. Pogba spoke about the recent burglary at his family home, his personal struggles with mental health and his reflections on what has gone wrong at Manchester United.
The midfielder should be applauded for speaking so openly about mental health. Pogba admitted he has been 'depressed several times' throughout his career and he revealed that his first bout started during Jose Mourinho's two-year reign.
"Personally, it started when I was with Jose Mourinho in Manchester. You ask yourself questions," Pogba said. "You wonder if it's your fault because you have never experienced moments like that before in your life.”
Pogba also admitted to being unsatisfied at United and that no doubt has impacted his mental health. There has been little joy at United in the past few years.
"You have to be honest, these last five seasons have not satisfied me — really not at all. This year is dead, we won't win anything. Whether it's with Manchester United or another club, I want to win trophies," Pogba added.
"It's simple with France, I play and I play in my position — I know my role and I feel the confidence of the coach and the players. It's normal to feel a difference at Manchester United because it's hard to be consistent when you often have a change to your position, or the team system, or your [midfield] partners.
"I get along very well with [France manager Didier Deschamps], he gave me a role that I know — but at Manchester United do I really have a role? I ask the question, but I don't have an answer."
United, like all football clubs, like to exercise control over media access to players and Pogba's comments felt like they were too honest to have followed club guidelines. Pogba is set to leave United on a free transfer at the end of the season and that could explain why he felt comfortable with the conversation. Pogba knows he's about to leave and he has nothing to lose.
Pogba has flaws and his time at United has been unfulfilled, but the club should take notice of his comments. The gross incompetence from United's hierarchy have created an unstable, borderline toxic environment surrounding the club during Pogba's second spell and that has made it impossible for players to succeed on the pitch. United have won just three trophies across the last nine years.
There has been a distinct lack of long-term planning. United have been reactionary instead of proactive. Manchester City have dominated the Premier League since Pep Guardiola's arrival but they were planning for the Catalan to arrive long before he agreed to swap Munich for Manchester.
That's the expertise and foresight you expect at an elite club. That's the glaring difference.
It has become a tedious point to make that the next managerial appointment is the biggest at the club since 2013. The Manchester Evening News understands Erik ten Hag is currently the preferred candidate for the position, but regardless of who is appointed as Rangnick's successor, the club needs to stick with that candidate's long-term tactical vision.
United have wrestled with their identity over the last few seasons. There has been no cohesion or clear style of play. Pogba's comments show that the players also share that view. Radical change is needed or mediocrity will continue to fester.
There should already be an idea of a succession plan to build on the work of the next managerial appointment.
Pogba's comments show United will struggle to attract players of his calibre going forward if they don't address their issues.