Man Utd: Was Solskjaer right to start Pogba in derby?
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly furious at Mino Raiola for talking about a possible move away from Old Trafford for Paul Pogba. The super-agent said last week his client could leave amid transfer interest from European giants Real Madrid and Juventus. But he’s since somewhat backed down on those comments, insisting he was talking hypothetically about the end of the season - rather than January.
Speaking before United’s 3-2 Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig last week, Raiola claimed Pogba’s time at the club was drawing to a close.
“There’s no point beating about the bush. It’s better to speak out clearly, look forward and avoid wasting time to find culprits,” he said.
“Paul is unhappy at Manchester United, he can’t manage to express himself like he wants to and like people expect him to.
“He needs to change team, he needs a change of scenery.
“He has a contract that will expire in a year and a half, in the summer of 2022, but the best solution for all parties is a transfer in the next window.
“Otherwise the Old Trafford club, which I have a great relationship with, knows well that they would risk losing him on a free transfer, given that at the moment it’s not the player’s intention to extend the contract.”
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Solskjaer has shut down those claims, insisting Pogba is committed and a part of his plans at the club.
Yet Italian journalist Massimo Marinella has claimed the United boss is ‘furious’ and ready to offload the 27-year-old when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.
“Solskjaer is furious at Raiola’s words. I’m convinced that Manchester United won’t wait until the summer to sell him, if they have the chance they’ll give him away in January”, Marianella said on Sky Sport.
“Juventus is a real opportunity, the Frenchman has a special feeling with the black and white shirt.”
Pogba cost United a huge £89million upon returning from Juventus four years ago.