What should Manchester United do with Paul Pogba?

By Jonny Bray

Despite dividing opinion among fans and pundits, Paul Pogba has been one of Manchester United’s most important players since re-joining the club from Juventus.

The deal, then worth a world record sum of £89.9million, has been a matter of controversy ever since it was completed in 2016.

But it’s my opinion that Pogba has been the shining light during an otherwise incredibly dark period at the club.

With the midfielder now approaching the end of his contract in June 2022 and his 29th birthday in March this year, it looks like Pogba’s time at Manchester United could be coming to an end.

But what should United do with Pogba? Should they let him go for free, should they sell him this January, or should they convince the Frenchman to stay?

Leave on a free

This option does no favours whatsoever for Manchester United.

Firstly, it would see the Red Devils lose out on a transfer fee of at least £40m.

Then there’s the need to sign a replacement as soon as possible, just a year after struggling to find a top-quality defensive midfielder.

There’s no telling how much that replacement could cost the club, but unless they’re uncharacteristically shrewd in the transfer market, you have to imagine it would be a ground-breaking fee.

There’s also no guarantee that a player of Pogba’s quality is available, with potential replacements such as Eduardo Camavinga having already moved to Real Madrid.

Finally, Pogba’s departure could leave United exposed in midfield, both going forward and in defence.

It would see arguably their best box-to-box midfielder leave the club and force Ralf Rangnick to place even more trust in Scott McTominay and Fred.

Sell in January

Selling Pogba in January is the most unlikely option United have available to them.

Firstly, it’s one that the club have ruled out themselves, much to the disappointment of European rivals Juventus and Real Madrid.

Secondly, few clubs would be prepared to offer the big money United want when Pogba is out of contract in a few months.

And finally, it’s in Pogba’s interest to leave on a free as it will significantly increase his wage if he signs at another club when his contract is up.

He could even be holding out for a better contract at United.

In short, United definitely shouldn’t sell Pogba in January.

They won’t get great money for him, and it’ll limit Pogba’s options for his next club.

Give him a new contract

Giving Pogba a new contract would be a costly option for United.

He’s currently on £290,000 per week and as he’s 28, this could be his last big contract as a professional footballer.

It’s unlikely he’ll want to take a pay cut but are United willing to increase the wages of one of their highest earners when they have no guarantee that he’ll play every week or be central to the plans of their next manager?

However, it may be the best option they have.

If they extend his contract, they can sell him and use the funds to invest in the squad in years to come, assuming Pogba maintains his performance levels.

Pogba might even prove to be an essential part of the new era at Manchester United when the board decide who will lead the club into the 2022/23 season.

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