Manchester United could be braced for yet another Paul Pogba twist

According to the latest reports, Manchester United are about brace themselves for yet another incredible twist in the never-ending Paul Pogba saga.

A massive twist in the Paul Pogba saga has broken out in the past week, with Spanish journalist Guillem Balague via SportsMole claiming that he will not be returning to former employers Juventus or linking up with French icon Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid and will instead be signing a new deal with Manchester United. The French international is out of contract in the summer of 2021, a new deal would see at the least, an additional season of Paul Pogba our famous Red shirt.

Pogba’s relationship with the club since re-signing for a club record fee of £89million has been very shaky. Pogba failed to live up to the huge transfer fee in his first two seasons at the club causing heavy criticism from the media.

However, it was off the pitch where the real controversies occurred. His ‘Rockstar’ mentality and high profile caused a fallout with former United boss and two-time UCL winner Jose Mourinho during his last season at the club before being sacked in December 2018. Mourinho dropped him from the squad and publicly labelled the star a ‘virus’. Footage emerged of the pair clashing during training, stirring up more transfer speculation.

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The sacking of Jose Mourinho and the surprise appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saw the rumours die down, as Pogba turned his United fortunes around bagging 13 goals and 9 assists in the league, to cap off his best season in a United shirt.

When summer came around, a move for the World Cup winner seemed imminent, with Real Madrid and Juventus both launching offers, Pogba also hinted a move might be on the cards declaring that ‘It might be time for a new challenge’. United stood their ground and Paul Pogba remained in a United player.

Pogba had stayed quiet about the situation and remained professional, starting the 2019/20 campaign well bagging two assists in a stunning 4-0 win against Chelsea on the opening day. Unfortunately, since then Pogba has been struck with injury upon injury, including a cracked toe that required surgery. While out, his brother Florentin and agent Mino Raiola both spoke out against Manchester United hinting at a move to Real Madrid, which caused many fans, (myself included) to lose faith in him and accept that he would be leaving the club. Images also emerged of Paul Pogba with Zinedine Zidane meeting in Dubai during his absence from first team football.

Which is why it comes with great surprise that the Frenchman has reportedly agreed a new deal. The club also released a new podcast with Paul Pogba just a week ago. Which could be a hint at a new deal being agreed. I wouldn’t expect any kind of announcement anytime soon though, due to COVID-19 and the uncertainty that has come with it.

Pogba staying will have huge implications on how United line-up next season, a move for Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was on the cards but this grows more unlikely by the day, this will also free up precious funds that could help United land Dortmund superstar Jadon Sancho who has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League. Due to COVID-19, and the halt of football across Europe, it is likely that we will see a less fruitful transfer window than in previous years, with transfer fees expected to plummet as COVID-19 takes its toll on the economy.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has indicated that United will be looking to add attacking reinforcement, with Sancho being a primary target. With Nemanja Matic ageing and his contract running down, it also seems likely that we will sign a defensive minded midfielder. Atletico’s Thomas Partey being a target for this role. We will face competition from Arsenal who are also interested in the Ghanaians’ services. Should these deals go through we could see United revert back to a 4-3-3 that was favoured by Jose Mourinho during his spell at the club. With De Gea in goal, a back four of Shaw, Maguire (C), Lindelof and Wan-Bissaka. A midfield three of Pogba, Partey and Bruno Fernandes, with a devastating front three of Rashford, Martial and Sancho. A team that could see United reach the top again, with the likes of Greenwood, Gomes and Chong all breaking into the first team squad, it could be an exciting time for United.

Would you be happy if Paul Pogba stayed at United?