Mata wants Pogba to remain at United

Juan Mata hopes midfielder Paul Pogba will remain at Manchester United, despite strong interest from clubs around Europe.

Three years after returning to Old Trafford in what was a world-record £89 million (Dh 414m) deal, the 26-year-old Frenchman has publicly admitted he is open to “a new challenge somewhere else”. Those comments sent tongues wagging, as did agent Mino Raiola speaking about his client’s desire to leave amid interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus.

But Pogba has knuckled down during United’s pre-season tour and was in good spirits at a sponsor’s event held in Singapore’s Marina Bay on Sunday. The World Cup winner clearly enjoyed himself and told the crowd that any aspiring footballers looking to reach the top should take a leaf out of Mata’s book – and the admiration is clearly mutual.

“We all know Paul and he’s a fantastic midfielder and he’s a very good guy, very positive, good influence for everyone,” Mata said. “He’s happy, he brings everyone together. And obviously as a teammate, and as a friend also, I would like him to stay and to be happy because he is a very good player for us.”

Pogba is not the only United player whose future is under scrutiny, but there is no doubt about where Mata’s future lies. The 31-year-old was out of contract at the end of the last season and talks over an extension had long been at an impasse, but a deal was struck to extend his stay with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side until at least 2021.

David de Gea looks set to remain with the Red Devils, despite entering the final year of his contract with a new deal for the Spaniard reportedly to be finalised in the coming days.

“David is the best or one of the best goalkeepers in the world, for sure,” Mata said. “He is one of my best friends, so I want him to stay.”