Manchester United ready to make Paul Pogba their highest paid player

According to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, Manchester United have had a proposed new contract on the table since the second part of the 2020/21 season for the reportedly unsettled Paul Pogba.

An offer that, if completed, would make the midfielder his club’s highest-paid player, earning a figure in the region of £400,000 per week. The France international has remained tight-lipped on the matter of his future, leading to ambiguity concerning his preferred choice amid links to well-known admirers in Paris.

The uncertainty around supporters seems to be replicated by the club itself as Whitwell also reports that the player is yet to respond to the contract proposal that would see him at the club until at least 2025.

So we have ascertained Manchester United’s stance on the situation and whilst the fans appear undecided on the figures being spoken of, what are Paul Pogba’s options?

Let his contract run down and reap the rewards financially 

All English Premier League

It is no secret where Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola’s priorities lie, and the divisive figure will be under no illusion of the financial benefits that could be realised if his player were to run his contract down.

With just 1 year remaining on his current deal, both the player and agent hold all of the cards as interest from PSG has cooled due to their acquisition of a certain Argentine and alternative suitors this window are few and far between.

A situation such as this highlights the mismanagement by United’s board, to allow one of their most valuable assets to exit the club on a free would be a bitter pill to swallow even if their performances on the pitch are beginning to look up.

Perhaps a debate for another day is the impact such a contract offer could have on some of United’s other top earners, as the news could risk disturbing the balanced dressing room environment Ole has worked so hard to create.

Stay and be a part of Ole’s rebuild

Speaking in a press conference after his side’s preseason loss to QPR last month, United boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjær spoke of his desire for Pogba to stay.

"Paul knows what we feel about it and I’ve enjoyed my time working with him and hopefully we can work together. The talks between the club and Paul’s representatives, I’m not in the detail of every single one of them. I’ve got nothing to say about that. Let’s see what happens. (Via: HaytersTV)"

Ole’s stance will have no doubt been reinforced after witnessing Pogba’s part in his team’s fierce start in a 5-1 win over rivals Leeds on opening day. The former World Cup winner supplied his teammates with 4 assists, acting as a catalyst for the Red Devil’s positive attacking exploits.

Since re-joining the club in 2016, in what remains a club-record fee, those in charge have failed to match the ambition portrayed by the completion of such a deal.

However, sparked by recent protests and further unrest amongst supporters, the trajectory of the club has seen an upturn with the additions of Jadon Sancho and fellow Frenchman Raphaël Varane, begging the question is now the right time to leave?

Prior to the recent turn in events, Pogba’s mistrust of United’s intent would’ve been understandable, but it appears the dark days are behind them and there is a sense that Ole’s men are best placed for success since his former boss, Sir Alex Ferguson departed the club.

While the attraction to play alongside the All-Star talent that PSG boasts will no doubt be enormous, the legacy Pogba could create at Manchester United is surely unmatched and everything he returned to his parent club to achieve?