Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reviews Manchester City defeat
Manchester United have a fear over Paul Pogba’s future that could ultimately cost them millions by the end of the season, according to reports. The France international’s contract with the Red Devils sensationally expires at the end of June 2022.
In the summer, United and Pogba were widely understood to be keen to agree a new contract, which would extend his five-year stay in Manchester.
However, those talks appear to have stalled. Fresh terms for the midfielder do not appear to be on the horizon.
It could mean that Pogba departs on a free transfer next summer. The 28-year-old can sign a pre-contract agreement upon the turn of the year.
United could reportedly look to cut their losses on a player who they made the then-most expensive in the world in 2016. The Red Devils, then managed by Jose Mourinho, paid Juventus £89million to bring their former academy graduate back to Old Trafford.
Man Utd have reportedly made a Paul Pogba transfer decision but it could cost them money if it fails (Image: GETTY)
The likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be interested in signing Pogba, who has already endured a rollercoaster of a season in thePremier League.
According to the Daily Star, United will sell the player if a big bid is made. That is a U-turn on their previous stance, with Old Trafford chiefs understood to be prepared to wait until the summer to let him leave for free.
However, the report continues that United will only relinquish Pogba if they can find a replacement.
That means a failure to find a new midfielder in the winter transfer window could cost the Red Devils a sizeable transfer fee, with Pogba therefore allowed to leave for free at the end of the campaign.
The World Cup winner has endured a tough season. That was made worse when he withdrew from the France squad due to a thigh injury.
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Initial reports suggest that the former Juventus star could miss at least 10 weeks, meaning he might have left Old Trafford before he recovers if club officials sanction a January transfer.
Should he never play for the club again, Pogba will have bowed out of the Premier League when he was sent off for a horror tackle on Naby Keita during United’s 5-0 thrashing by Liverpool.
He was a half-time substitute with his side already trailing by four goals, but lasted just 15 minutes before he was dismissed.
It was reported after that game that Pogba refused to speak to under-pressure boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the aftermath. He was apparently furious at having been left on the bench for the crunch clash.