As the end of the season approaches, the inevitable rumours surrounding Paul Pogba’s future at Manchester United could resurface.
The Frenchman has long been linked with a second departure from Old Trafford, and with his contract set to expire next summer, it looks more likely than ever that the Red Devils may have to cash in on the former Juventus man this year.
According to The Telegraph, “discussions” have taken place over his future but a concrete extension has not been offered by the club.
Ed Woodward must make it his priority to secure Pogba to a new deal at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman has been questioned for his consistency with the Red Devils but his talent has never been in doubt. In 193 appearances for the club, he has scored 37 goals and notched 36 assists.
Should Pogba leave Man Utd?
No, he’s vital.
Yes, he is done at Old Trafford.
Despite the criticism he has received, these statistics are very similar to the eye-catching numbers he accumulated in his time in Italy.
His season has been disrupted through injury but the midfielder keeps sending stark reminders over his pivotal role in the Red Devils setup, having scored winning goals against Burnley and Fulham in the Premier League.
He also came off the bench against AC Milan on Thursday, with his goal being enough to guide the team through to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League.
Even manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been left enamoured, stating that Pogba can “do everything”. Such quotes would imply that he is the type of player United would fear to lose, especially on a free transfer.
Should the Old Trafford hierarchy not see a place in the squad for Pogba, and indeed if the Frenchman wishes to leave, they simply cannot let him run down his contract.
Rated at £54m by Transfermarkt, United would surely wish to recoup the majority of the reported £89m they spent to bring him back to Old Trafford.
That would simply not be possible should his contract expire, seeing United miss out on a huge fee for the 28-year-old.
Whether the Red Devils would prefer Pogba to stay at the club or not remains to be seen. The rumours surrounding his next employers also remain elementary but Woodward simply cannot let his contract continue to run down either way.
AND in more news, take a closer look at Pogba’s inspirational performance at the San Siro on Thursday night…