Noel Whelan insists Manchester United should sell Paul Pogba in January even if they get £30 million rather than see him leave for free next summer.
Paul Pogba is on the brink of finishing his Manchester United career as he runs down his deal at the club. Next summer, the Frenchman will be a free agent and get to choose from an array of outfits vying for his signature. His agent, Mino Raiola, has been trying to push ahead with a move to Real Madrid, while Juventus are also in the race.
The interest may not be limited just to those two teams. Others may come to the fore as we approach January, with Pogba in line to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club outside England at the turn of the year. PSG are also prepared to explore the opportunity to sign him and add to him their glittering squad list.
Pogba’s tenure at Manchester United has failed to produce the promise he brought in when the club paid a then world-record fee to Juventus. While his displays for the French national side have been nothing short of excellent, he has suffered through managers, tactics and positioning at the club.
There were reports earlier this season about Pogba being willing to sign a new deal with the club. However, those stories have gone away, with the latest speculation in the aftermath of the recent turmoil at Old Trafford suggesting Pogba might be inclined to quit Manchester United, possibly next summer, on a free transfer.
Noel Whelan insists that could be the case, although he suggested Manchester United recoup some money for the midfielder by selling him in the January transfer window. Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan told Manchester United to accept an offer in the winter, even for £30 million, rather than letting him leave on a free.
Whelan said, “Even if you get £30 million, it’s £30 million towards another player. It’s £30 million into the club, a lot of money. At the same time, if it’s not the club that he’s got his heart set on that’s offering that £30 million, he’s got no option but to wait until the end of the season.”
“Has it been a good signing? No, it really hasn’t. He gets the performances for his national side, but he certainly hasn’t hit the heights of what we see playing for France in a Man United shirt. Pogba hasn’t been that leader that you see in the France team. He hasn’t been that special player in the Man United side.”
“It’s been very disappointing because I think we were all excited about seeing him when he first came back to England. A World Cup winner that as well. It’s not been great. He’s one of those where you look at it and think would you turn back time? I think you probably would if you knew what you’d be getting for £89 million. The performances he’s put in haven’t been up to Man United’s standards.”
Pogba, after a blistering start to the season, has seen his form tail off while the club suffered domestically with some harrowing defeats. Will the Frenchman end up leaving Manchester United on a free? If yes, then who are well stationed to sign him? It all remains to be seen
