The summer for Manchester United began with a hammer blow. Paul Pogba confirmed his intention to leave Old Trafford, seeking a ‘new challenge’.
Well, the Red Devils’ tour of the Far East is well underway, with Pogba still a firm fixture within the squad. He played the full second half against Perth Glory yesterday. He looked extremely sharp.
It always felt to me like finding a buyer for Pogba was going to be tough. United aren’t going to let their most marketable, most talented player leave on the cheap. Only a select few clubs can even afford him, even fewer can pay the price and then comply with FFP regulations.
Well, following the game yesterday, it’s clear to me that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is firmly believing Pogba isn’t going anywhere, with the Baby Faced Assassin actually confirming that the want-away 26-year-old is in the running to be United’s next captain…
“We’ve got quite a few possibilities there and when the season starts we’ll announce it. ” Solskjaer told reporters, including the Evening Standard.
“Of course we’ll have a good assessment and see how pre-season goes. But Ashley will wear it when he’s playing until we decide on someone.”
Solskjaer was then asked directly whether Pogba is under consideration. He responded: “Yes, I don’t think that needs explaining (why he is), we’ll discuss that later on.”
I’m not sure what to make of it. Personally, I’m concerned at the lack of leadership that’s in that dressing room, hence why I’m surprised to see that we’re yet to sign a top-class centre-half – someone who can be vocal, someone who can set the example. Harry Maguire is my pick, he’d also be in immediate consideration for the arm-band.
If Pogba is made captain, make no mistake about it, Solskjaer would be taking a massive risk, and one that could eventually cost him his job.
Call me old-fashioned but Pogba wouldn’t be my pick as the whole world knows he wants to leave. Why should we give the most prestigious on-field job to someone who sees his long-term future elsewhere?
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