REACTION: Manchester United’s Paul Pogba says he wants “new challenge”

After Paul Pogba’s comments this week, it appears the Manchester United midfielder could be on his way out of the club. Ollie Slack gives his reaction.

Once again the world is talking about Paul Pogba‘s future. Every summer since his return to Old Trafford three years ago a transfer window cannot pass by without rumours of a potential move away.

This isn’t helped by the man himself. Pogba has often chatted to the press about his future during international breaks and periods away from the senior team as if he loves the spotlight being shone directly on him.

Gary Neville questioned Pogba’s long-term commitment to the club back in February against Liverpool live on Sky Sports and it appears former United captain was right all along.

"“But in the back of my mind the problems that we were witnessing in the first two years will emanate again at some point.“I think that his agent will be into him and he’ll want his next move away, he’ll want his next pay off and that’s my problem with it and that’s the issue I have with it. His commitment to the club has got to be long-term and it has got to be at the level that Manchester United paid £95 million for him.“My personal view is that his agent will be into him in the next transfer window, or two or three, and saying ‘come on, we need to get over there now, we need to get over to there.'”"

Back March, when on national duty with France, Pogba claimed playing for Real Madrid is a “dream club for every player.” He is not wrong, although what is wrong is the fact those comments came after Pogba had already admitted earlier on in the season he may once again be leaving the club.

It was in September 2018, days after the transfer window had closed, Pogba said, “I’m playing there (Manchester United) at the moment, but who knows what will happen in the next few months.”

That is three times in the last 10 months Pogba has openly discussed his future at Old Trafford, feeding reporters headlines as if he was chucking bread to the ducks. But it should not be tolerated. It shows a complete lack of respect for everyone at the football club, from the players to the backroom staff.

Of course, if Pogba does leave, it will be a big blow for Solskjaer. His talent is unquestionable, however, United fans will question how often they see that talent. His ability, attitude and overall commitment to the cause has flicked on and off like a light switch ever since he arrived back in England from Juventus in 2016.

The whole pantomime ‘will he, won’t he’ scenario surrounding Pogba also makes it pretty clear why Ferguson got rid in the first place. No one is bigger than the club. That was the way and that still should be the way now. It seems to me Pogba’s head is not in the right place to attack this new era at Manchester United full on.