Five days after Mino Raiola had declared that Paul Pogba’s time at Manchester United was “over”, the player himself broke his silence on Saturday evening.
“I’ve always fought and will always fight for Manchester United, my team-mates and the fans,” Pogba wrote on his Instagram. “The future is far, today is what matters and I am 1000 per cent involved!”
Pogba’s choice of words here is key.
Of course, “today” he is committed to the club. The France midfielder has 18 months left on his contract at Old Trafford and is being paid a lucrative wage to perform, when selected, for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
But unlike Marcus Rashford, who last week committed his career to United, there were no such promises from the World Cup winner.
Pogba wants to move on and has made no secret about the fact.
Though he did not tell Raiola to give that now infamous interview to Tuttosport, nor was he aware that it was going to be published the day before Tuesday’s crucial clash with RB Leipzig, that does not mean he did not agree with the sentiments put forth by his agent.
It is understood formal talks have not begun over a new contract for Pogba, which means United have three transfer windows to secure a fee for the 27-year-old or risk losing him on a free transfer in June 2022.
But, in a world that has seen economies around the globe crippled by the effects of the pandemic, who could afford to pay the money the Red Devils would likely demand? Continue reading