Another summer with Paul Pogba dominating the headlines. With the signing of the Real Madrid centre-back, Raphael Varane for a fee of around €50m, United have strengthened two of the glaring issues (CB and an RW) in their lineup. However, a key piece of the club’s midfield looks set to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Pogba, who left United in 2012 for Juventus, returned to Old Trafford in 2016 for a club-record fee but has failed to live up to expectations. The 28-year-old has made 199 appearances in his second term at United, scoring only 38 goals. His best form has come under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and was pivotal in United’s form last season. But he remains insistent on leaving.
Why is Paul Pogba likely to move this summer?
Paul Pogba has reportedly turned down Manchester United’s £50 million ($68.5 million) contract extension. His current deal is set to be run out by next summer.
With the rejection, United has set a £50 million ($68.5 million) asking price for the midfielder. The same amount they were prepared to pay him for his contract extension. Real Madrid were an option for Pogba as United were reportedly considering him as an exchange offer for Varane. But with the defender’s arrival, Real is no longer an option and PSG is the only obvious choice. PSG signing Pogba would be a great addition to their other start signings of Donnarumma, Ramos, Wijnaldum, and Hakimi.
How will United cope without him?
Solskjaer has reportedly told his players that he wants a more attacking lineup in the upcoming lineup. Ole wants his midfield playing in a more free-flowing attacking role. He wants to play with a sole defensive midfielder (which United are yet to sign) operating deeper behind two attacking midfielders.
The search, however, for a defensive midfielder continues for the club with players such as Ruben Neves, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ndidi linked with the Red Devils. Declan Rice was an option earlier but with West Ham’s staggering price tag of £100 million, the option is out of the question considering the money required.
In case Pogba leaves, Donny van de Beek is expected to take over that void that would finally give him a chance to shine at Old Trafford. Reports also suggest that McTominay will play in a more advanced role on the back of a prolific 2020/21 season.
