Manchester United could be on the verge of extending the contract of Paul Pogba while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refuses to sell Donny van de Beek
A new report from L’Equipe has offered some positive news regarding Paul Pogba over his future at Manchester United. It appears the highly-rated midfielder is now favouring a prolonged stay at Old Trafford and may exercise the option of extending a contract that expires at the end of the season.
It could be a massive boost for Manchester United, who have been riding on the Frenchman’s exploits in the early parts of the campaign. The former Juventus ace, after all, has started the new season with a Premier League-high seven assists in seven matches, helping his club emerge as one of the top contenders to seal the Premier League.
A few days ago, it emerged that Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has been urging him to make the switch to Real Madrid. But the Spanish giants are expected to focus on the pursuit of Kylian Mbappe next summer while they are also eager to secure the services of Erling Haaland as well.
There aren’t many clubs that can afford the hefty wage demands of the French ace. But the financial situation of Barcelona and Real Madrid, coupled with Paris Saint-Germain’s latest coup of Lionel Messi, makes Manchester United the front-runners in the race to secure the player’s long-term future.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reluctant to sell Donny van de Beek
One would imagine Pogba’s prolonged stay at Manchester United might finally put an end to Donny van de Beek’s miserable spell at Old Trafford. But according to ESPN, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not totally on board with the idea of offloading the Dutchman in the upcoming January transfer window, even if his situation does not improve.
Formerly of Ajax, van de Beek has consistently struggled with a lack of game-time ever since joining Manchester United last summer. The Dutch midfielder had started in only four games in his debut season in England and his fortunes have not improved in the new campaign either.
Two months into the 2021/22 season, van de Beek has appeared in only one Premier League match so far. He even cut a frustrating figure during Manchester United’s match against Villarreal, throwing a chewing gum to the touchline.
Solskjaer did react positively towards the midfielder’s antics, but it has not changed his status in the first team. And now, the Manchester United manager’s reluctance to offload him in the January transfer window may lead to further animosity between the two.
Manchester United, though, always do have the option of selling van de Beek whenever they want, as the former Ajax starlet is courted by multiple clubs including Everton and Juventus.
