Manchester United reportedly want Paul Pogba to stay despite his public admission of wanting to seek a new challenge this summer.
Sky Sports have reported that Manchester United intend to keep hold of Paul Pogba, although they also acknowledge that they could be forced to cash in on him, if push comes to shove. The French midfielder has invited suitors by publicly admitting that he wants to embark on a new challenge.
Paul Pogba has been an enigmatic quantity ever since he returned to Manchester United from Juventus in the summer of 2016. Three years on, the 26-year-old has arguably been the Red Devils’ most important player. But, his second coming at the club has also been soured by controversies and inconsistent periods.
Despite all that, Pogba is on course to amassing over 150 appearances for Manchester United, and has directly contributed to 60 goals (31 goals and 29 assists) thus far – a handy tally of 20 direct contributions per season.
However, his future at Manchester United has been thrown in disarray at a time when they have already been reeling from their worst ever Premier League campaign. Pogba practically handed a boost to suitors last week by admitting that the time is right for him to seek a new challenge.
One of the interested party are Real Madrid, who have been heavily linked with the Frenchman since his comments alluding towards wanting a dream switch to the Bernabeu in future. Los Blancos are also in need of midfield reinforcements after one of their poorest seasons in recent history.
The other major player in what is becoming a saga are Juventus. The Bianconeri too, are eager to add to the midfield options despite the impending arrival of Aaron Ramsey. To that end, Pogba, Adrien Rabiot and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are top targets for the Serie A champions, who have also held talks with Manchester United over a move for Pogba.
Manchester United though, want to retain the services of their talisman despite what is being seen as a pre-meditated move to force their hand. The Premier League giants are aware that his value will only diminish as he is unlikely to put pen to paper on a new deal.
All things considered, however, Manchester United will leave no stone unturned to keep hold of Paul Pogba beyond the summer. But, if push comes to shove, we could yet see the French international make his way out of Old Trafford.
