Paul Ince was tedious in assessing Manchester United’s reported new contract offer for Paul Pogba, claiming the club is showing signs of desperation.
As soon as things started looking positive for Manchester United at the start of the season, it’s gone somewhat grim in the preceding weeks. Their disappointing draw to Everton pulled in criticism from pundits over Solskjaer’s selection policy which saw Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba benched.
The air around Old Trafford has thickened in recent weeks, as issues with the club, their manager, and the players keep mounting. One of the immediate concerns for Manchester United among those problems is to solve the Pogba situation. They have reportedly prepared a new contract offer, although the Frenchman has shown reluctance to commit.
According to reports, the new offer will earn Pogba around £400,000-a-week in wages, a significant upgrade over his current pay at the club. United hopes a resolution is reached soon, as the midfielder could sign a pre-contract agreement with another foreign club in January.
He is courted by Real Madrid, who would like to make him one of their statement signings next summer. Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, is pushing for the midfielder to sign for the Spanish side. Hence Manchester United are seemingly rushing with their offer, hoping the Frenchman commits.
Paul Ince feels Pogba might not be worth the money offered, questioning Manchester United’s intentions with the new deal. The Dailymail posted long comments from Ince as he criticised the club’s ‘desperate attempt to extend the midfielder’s contract.
Ince said, “That’s a sign of desperation from Manchester United in offering that contract. Obviously, they’re trying to persuade him to sign this deal. It’s a lot of money for someone who has been in and out of the side. He was on the bench two weeks ago against Everton, and then all of a sudden, you’re saying: ‘Here’s £400k-a-week!’
“Ultimately, if you’re paying that type of money for a player, he has to play every game, and we’re not seeing Paul Pogba play every game. “Where is his ideal position? Where does Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] see him playing week in, week out? We know where Bruno Fernandes plays; that’s easy enough. But where does Paul Pogba play?
“Does he play in holding midfield like he did against Wolves? Is he going to play him on the left-hand side? Is he going to put him on the bench? There’s too much confusion with where Pogba’s best position is. He was more advanced at the start of the season, and his assists record has been fantastic this season. He was unbelievable against Southampton.
“But I’m looking at this and thinking, “What makes you offer Paul Pogba £400k-a-week at this precise moment? He’s not pulling up trees, and his performances have been on and off.”