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The transfer window opens in less than a month and one name continues to dominate the headlines.
Paul Pogba’s future at Manchester United has been in question for several years, but the Frenchman seems closer than ever to ending his career at Old Trafford.
Last week, his agent Mino Raiola described his time at United as “over”, urging United to authorize a transfer for the World Cup winner. Pogba addressed speculation about his future in a statement on Instagram after the draw against Manchester City, but did not deny the rumors linking him to players such as Juventus and Real Madrid.
United activated the one-year extension clause in his contract earlier this year to avoid losing him for nothing in next summer’s window, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must decide whether to allow him to leave in January if a suitable offer comes in.
Our writers give their thoughts on what United should do with Pogba when the transfer window opens:
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Sun booth
It would be a very weak management of the entire United hierarchy if they gave Pogba another lifeline now, considering everything that has happened.
Mino Raiola got his client exactly what they both wanted: an escape route from Old Trafford. For everyone’s sake, it would be better if the exit happened in January rather than summer, saving Solskjaer the torture of deciding whether or not to pick Pogba each week and the inevitable criticism for doing one over the other.
There is no need for United to become ‘Mesut Ozil and Arsenal’ and banish the player entirely, but a quick and relatively pain-free exit now would be the most acceptable conclusion to a rather unworthy four and a half years for Pogba back in. Manchester.
Verdict: Sell in January
Liam Corless
Pogba was unable to leave in the summer due to the coronavirus and Raiola’s full interview with Tuttosport was published on the day that the first Pfizer vaccine was administered in Coventry.
Conspiracy theorists have been out there this year, but that was, of course, pure coincidence, although a pre-COVID return to normal would serve Pogba’s ambitions of securing a great departure.
Pogba’s talent has never been questioned, but pronouncing / writing those words has gotten boring and he has never endorsed his talent consistently in a red shirt.
United have six top-level central midfielders in their squad and one of the best products from the Ajax academy in recent years can barely smell it. Pogba’s time is up: United just need to wait for a team to come and take him away.
Verdict: Sell in January
Marcus banks
It wouldn’t be a transfer window without talking about Pogba, but January should be the last window during which his future is debated.
Raiola’s comments came at the worst possible time for United. Solskjaer may have denied that his interview affected United’s performance against RB Leipzig, but it was another unnecessary distraction stemming from an agent with a history of dragging club names through the mud.
It is time to finally allow Pogba to leave and United will be better off without him. They have a ready-to-wear replacement in Donny van de Beek who has been patiently waiting for his chance to impress. Pogba’s departure will allow the Dutchman more rotation minutes with Scott McTominay.
The Pogba sale gives United some flexibility in the January window with areas that still need to be addressed after a below-average summer. A central defender or right-side forward should be considered if the correct target is available. If not, United can save the money until the summer.
The longer United waits to get rid of the 27-year-old, the less money they will receive.
Verdict: Sell in January
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