Paul Pogba’s presence at Manchester United has been a bittersweet affair. The Frenchman divides opinions amongst the Old Trafford faithful and while his off the field antics may not reflect the club’s values, he remains one of the team’s most priced assets.
Paul Pogba and his notorious agent, Mino Raiola, have time and again flirted with an idea of exit, and with the midfielder approaching the final year of his Manchester United contract, the club may look to recoup the £89m transfer fee they paid Juventus in 2016 for him.
Bought with an idea of bringing much-needed artistry in a depleting United line-up, Pogba has done his job in bits and pieces. On his day, the 28-year-old can be as lethal as they come, but extreme inconsistency has agitated his high esteem amongst the fans.
The midfielder has never shied away from controversies, to say the least. Back in December 2020, ahead of Manchester United’s all-important clash against RB Leipzig in the Champions League group stage, Raiola publicly stated that Pogba can “no longer express” himself at the club. United went on to lose the game 3-2 and were knocked out of the competition.
With only a year left before he becomes a free agent, United has a lot of thinking to do, and at these crunch times, they need to thoroughly assess what’s in it for them.
Should Manchester United sell Paul Pogba?
The conflict of interest at Manchester United is confining the record English champions to unleash their creative prowess. Both Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes comes with their respective flair. While the latter is brilliant in quick interchanges, Pogba can split open a defence with a meticulous long-ball.
Both these traits have worked wonders for United as they have capitalized through Pogba’s extended vision, while Bruno’s quick one-twos have baffled the opposition too.
Now, the question at hand is, are United ready to lose a player like Pogba?
Statistically speaking, United have, in fact, fared considerably well in his absence. The team averaged more points (2.06) without the midfielder in the starting XI than they did (1.83) when he did start. They also had a better win percentage (60%) without him as opposed to when he was in the team (54.8%).
Manchester United played a total of 31 games in the 2020/21 season with the Frenchman in the starting line-up, winning 17 and losing eight. The figure is, in fact, better when he was named on the bench or was out of the matchday squad. United played 30 games without Pogba starting and won 18 while losing just four.
His unavailability meant that United were able to play a midfielder with a more defensive approach. This resulted in the team conceding fewer goals (24) than when he was in the starting XI (44).
Manchester United with Paul Pogba in starting XI – P31, W17, D6, L8 (G: 59, GA: 44)
Manchester United without Paul Pogba in starting XI – P30, W18, D8, L4 (G: 62, GA: 24).
United may not miss Pogba once he is gone, but they need to make sure they acquire someone to fill in the void. Furthermore, if they do decide to accept offers, they need to figure out how they would recoup the amount considering the current state of the transfer market and its potential threats.
Who are the potential suitors for Pogba?
The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona have endured heavy financial losses in recent times, and one cannot expect either of them to move for the midfielder. This leaves Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain the only viable options.
His link with Juventus goes way back, meaning that the Turin club can be considered as an option, but will United accept any bid less than what they paid? While that remains to be seen, PSG can emerge as one fine contender too.
ESPN states that the French club is considering a move for the 28-year-old and that the club director and Raiola in fact discussed details of the deal over the phone. Recently when the two met to finalize the deal for Gianluigi Donnarumma, the topic was once again brought to light.
But before moving for the World Cup winner, PSG know they will have to make room for the midfielder, meaning that some of the players will be forced to exit.
Alternatives for Manchester United
If United do end up selling Pogba, there are quite a few alternatives to look for. According to Sport Bild, Manchester United have already contacted the representatives of the Bayern Munich midfielder, Leon Goretzka.
Like Pogba, the German, too, is entering the final year of his current contract. However, it is said that the player has his priorities set on staying with Bayern Munich.
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Another option to consider is Rennes midfielder, Eduardo Camavinga. The highly-rated 18-year-old has been in the limelight of late as he is said to be one of United’s transfer targets. A versatile mid man like him could be handy for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Furthermore, if United can manage to make big bucks from the Pogba sale, they can approach Aston Villa for their captain Jack Grealish.
The England international was recently a subject of interest for Manchester City, and the Red Devils can rightly swoop in by offering more money.
Conclusion in the Man United-Pogba dilemma
Manchester United can rightly think of cashing in on Pogba, but they need to analyse the market quite extensively.
While the current state is alarming, any potential suitor will hesitate in spending more than £70 million. And United can not afford to bear losses anyway.
At the same time though, his contractual situation makes everything more complicated as he will be available for free next year.
Manchester United do have a lot to think about.