United front on Pogba
Paul Pogba’s controversial agent Mino Raiola and Manchester United chief Ed Woodward have repaired their broken relationship.
The Old Trafford vicechairman and super-agent Raiola severed contact after Pogba’s Italian-born advisor attacked United at the turn of the year.
The pair broke off contact after Raiola claimed United were “out of touch with real ity and without a sporting project”.
He also claimed he wouldn’t have taken the likes of Diego Maradona or Pele to United for fear of ruining their careers.
Moments before the clash at Chelsea last month, Raiola launched a Twitter attack after manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted the club would decide Pogba’s future, not his agent.
Raiola said: “You cannot own a human being in the UK. I hope Solskjaer does not want to suggest that Paul is his prisoner.”
But it’s now thought a peace pact has been struck.
Woodward appreciated Raiola’s support when his house was attacked by angry United supporters wearing balaclavas and carrying flares.
French World Cup winner Pogba also played a role when he asked the agent to be less confrontational.
Raiola insists United agreed to consider selling the midf ield star last summer.
Now he is agitating for a move to Real Madrid, with Bernabeu boss Zinedine Zidane ready to strike a deal.
United say they won’t be held to ransom by Raiola and will do what is in the best interests of the club.
Pogba has now recovered from the ankle injury which required surgery at the start of the year – an injury which pundits such as Graeme Souness have questioned.
Before the coronavirus pandemic shut down football, he was on the brink of a return to full training.
Solskjaer still insists he wants a fully-fit Pogba in his team next season and is excited at the prospect of new signing Bruno Fernandes teaming up with the Frenchman.