After the end of the previous season, there were reports that Paul Pogba was interested to sign a long-term contract with Manchester United and he wanted to do that soon. But suddenly everything has been changed completely as Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola today quoted that the Pogba transfer saga is over for Manchester United and there is no chance that he will stay at Old Trafford in the future.
“I can say that it’s over for Paul Pogba at Manchester United”
Mino Raiola, Paul Pogba’s agent.
Pogba Transfer Saga: Current situation
Paul Pogba has an extension option of 1 year in his contract for Manchester United and as per reports, the club has already triggered it. But currently, the situation is getting worse as Raiola told that the United board should not obstruct the way in Pogba’s career. Otherwise, they might have to sell a player like Pogba for free.
“I think that the best solution for both Pogba and Man Utd is that he goes in the next transfer window. If not, the Old Trafford club knows that they risk losing him on a free transfer as it is not Paul’s intention to extend his contract”.
Mino Raiola, via TuttoSports
According to Journalist Fabrizio Romano, Pogba will not entertain any kind of long term contract or new contract and he wants to leave the club as early as possible. So, surely the Paul Pogba transfer Saga looks over for Manchester United.
Paul Pogba’s journey at Manchester United
Paul Pogba is another academy graduate of Manchester United who had made his mark to world football. He joined United U-18 on season 09/10. His performance was mind-blowing from day 1 and also at next season, he won the FA Youth Cup for United. He also got a chance to play for United senior team in some matches of upcoming seasons. But later on season 2012/13, Sir Alex Ferguson sold him to Juventus. Pogba made himself more dangerous to become one of the best midfielders in the world. He also won the best promising player award in the FIFA 2014 World Cup.
Later, Paul Pogba returned home again as he joined Manchester United again for a record £89Million. Jose Mourinho brought him back at Old Trafford and Pogba also showed the world, why he was chosen by The Special One. As time went by, this relationship started to spoil as Jose started to criticise Pogba openly.
“You are like a person with a flu with a virus in a closed room – you pass that virus to the others.”
Jose Mourinho to Pogba, according to many outlets
After sacking of Jose, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave Pogba chances and made him the old Pogba for some days. But, similar to the time when Mourinho was there, his game dropped and he was also injured. Though, some fans thought that this injury was nothing but a false gesture as the manager clearly told the injury was serious and he didn’t want to lose a player like Pogba for more days by taking a risk on him. Basically, Ole Solskjaer wants to resolve the Pogba transfer saga but even he has failed now.
Pogba Transfer Saga: Responsibility of Mino Raiola
Mino Raiola was repeatedly accused by Manchester United before. It started with Sir Alex Ferguson and last year, Ole Solskjaer also had to open his mouth against him regarding the Pogba saga. But Raiola had no problems regarding these things, as he has clearly told that he will do the best possible things for his players which may not satisfy everyone associated with the player. But, without any doubt, it can be easily told Raiola has a big influence regarding this situation as somedays ago he told that everything is fine as He is ready to start talking with United about the extension of Pogba’s contract. But, now the Pogba transfer Saga has turned on its head as Raiola has clearly told that his client is not ready to extend with Manchester United anymore.
“Paul is unhappy with Man United as he is no longer able to express himself in the way that he would like and as he is expected to. Paul needs a new team, a change of air. He is under contract for the next 18 months and it will expire in the summer of 2022. Manchester United board know the risk losing Pogba for free given the player has no intention of extending. If somebody does not understand that, then they do not understand football. In any case, let them blame me if Paul leaves”.
Mino Riola, via TuttoSports.
Tactical problems in the United midfield
Pogba is a player who can carry the ball with pace and skills. He has the ability to make perfect long passes and also can make runs in the box by playing passes. He was allowed to show all of these attributes in his first season and played extremely well. But in the second season, he was pressured to play deep and take big defensive duties. Normally, it spoiled his normal game and also the relation with the person who bought him. Later, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer allowed him to play in his position and he performed well. But, currently Ole is playing either in a double pivot or in a diamond midfield system, where Pogba has to take many defensive duties and is not given a free role to roam where he can move with the ball, as it could easily open up the backline of the team. So, basically, he is not fitting at the team currently. But still, he shows his calibre whenever he is allowed to play to his prime position.
Possible Future Destinations for Pogba
Many big names are coming up for the sale of Pogba as United are in the mood to sell him in January. Though Pogba has the will to play for Real Madrid, Madrid has no intentions to go for him as per Fabrizio Romano. His possible destination might be his old club Juventus as Pirlo is a huge admirer of Pogba’s play. PSG and Barcelona are also interested in him. Raiola told today that Juventus are in the prime position to buy the French midfielder again and there is a great possibility that Pogba will be back to Turin soon.
“Yes, Paul Pogba can come back to Juventus. He’s not happy at Manchester United. Maybe Juventus could be Pogba’s next club… why not? The relationship between Paul, Juventus and former teammates is excellent. But with the Covid impact, many clubs can’t sign him. For sure, it’s time to leave Manchester United.”
Mino Raiola, via Tuttosport
Tactically ideal place
Pogba loves to play in a 4-3-3 in a left midfielder position, where He is covered by the side backs and one blocker and this has allowed him to move freely towards upfront. Like in France, Kante does the job of blocking. Let’s take a look at how some other big club can use Pogba:
- Juventus: Pirlo loves to play a 3-4-3 where Pogba can be fitted easily as he will be covered by the Backs and the midfield.
- Real Madrid: Real mainly plays in a 4-3-3 shape where Pogba can easily play his game at this formation, as he can easily operate from left midfielder to the winger with a pass, which is currently in the hands of Federico Valverde. Pogba will surely add more fluidity to the team along with being a great replacement for Luca Modric who is 35 now, whereas the Frenchman is just 27. It is not needed to say that the arrival of Pogba will boost up the commercial values as United made a record amount of shirt sales which caused his share price to go up.
- PSG: PSG will offer him the same fluidity as Madrid at his most comfortable position to make this deal happen as they have no problem with budget or fundings.
- Barcelona: For Barcelona and other teams playing as pivot Pogba never suits the style of football too much but he can play through if the system switched to 4-3-3 which is very unlikely to happen under Ronald Koeman. So there is very little chance that Pogba will join Camp Nou.
Pogba has played 177 matches for Manchester United, providing 35 assists and scoring 34 goals. Before this season, he was statistically the best player in United, despite being accused repeatedly due to his discipline and commitment to the crest. Also, this Pogba saga has made a mixed impact on the fans. We have to wait some more days regarding this issue as the Transfer Window is approaching near. But as per playing style, Pogba’s leave may not affect United too much right now as they have a player like Donny Van de Beek who joined United last summer, and also Fred is doing well.
What is your opinion regarding the Paul Pogba transfer Saga? Can it make a huge impact on Manchester United? Let us know in the comment section below.
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Manchester United should let him go.