‘CAPTAIN’ POGBA
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER says Paul Pogba is a shock contender for the Manchester United captaincy – despite the midfielder wanting out of Old Trafford. The United boss is looking to appoint a new skipper to replace Antonio Valencia and is considering the unsettled Pogba in a bid to keep him at the club. Pogba has suggested it might be time for
a “new challenge” while his agent Mino Raiola went public with his client’s desire to quit the club.
But asked if Pogba was a candidate to lead the team, Solskjaer, whose side opened their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win over Perth Glory yesterday, said: “Yep. We’ve got quite a few possibilities there and when the season starts we’ll announce it. But Ashley Young will wear it when he’s playing until we decide on someone.”
Real Madrid and Pogba’s old club Juventus are in for the Frenchman – but United want £180million for him – double their club record fee they paid for him in 2016.
And United will not allow Pogba’s suitors to derail Solskjaer’s plans for the new season.
The club will not sell the World Cup winner at any price if a bid is tabled after the English window closes on August 8.
La Liga clubs have until September 2 to buy and sell – and the worry at Old Trafford is that Real will use every minute available to maintain their charm offensive and force United to sell Pogba closer to their £100m valuation.
Solskjaer has told executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward that selling Pogba without a top-class replacement is unthinkable.
United are also resolved to maintaining a strong position on wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku.
Sunday Mirror Sport revealed at the start of last month that the Belgian’s hopes of linking up with ex-chelsea boss Antonio Conte at Inter Milan hinge on United taking a hit on the £75m striker.
United are also reluctant to pay-up any of the remaining three years on his £200,000 a week deal.