Pogba set for Juventus return
PAUL Pogba is heading for the Manchester United exit following heart-to-heart talks with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over his substitute role in the crushing defeat to Red Bull Leipzig.
Juventus, the club Pogba left to rejoin United in 2016, are emerging as a genuine option for the World Cup winner when the transfer window opens next month, amid growing uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford.
Pogba was left out of the starting XI who were eliminated from the Champions League by a 3-2 defeat at Leipzig on Tuesday night, and it is understood player and manager have spoken constructively about the decision to put the midfielder on the bench for what was United's biggest match of the season.
Solskjaer said Mino Raiola needs to realise football is a team sport after he said Paul Pogba wants to leave.
The France international maintains a professional relationship with Solskjaer and the conversation is said to have been honest and forthright. Solskjaer's team selection did not have the desired effect as United slumped to a 3-0 deficit inside 70 minutes.
But Pogba, who was brought on in the 61st minute, had a major hand in the United's failed comeback — playing a key role in his side winning a penalty that Bruno Fernandes converted before scoring the team's second to a frantic finish. Pogba's set-up impact raised questions about Solskjaer's decision to start him on the bench. But controversial comments from Pogba's agent Mino Raiola on Monday, in which he insisted the 27-year-old must quit Old Trafford, are a strong indicator that he would be open to leaving.
Juventus are interested in taking Pogba back to Turin, but United's valuation will determine whether a deal is possible, particularly in light of the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
United effectively have two transfer windows to prevent their former youth player leaving for nothing when his contract expires in 2022, meaning a January exit is not ruled out. The club are keen to recoup most of the £89million they paid to buy Pogba back from Juventus, particularly given his commercial value. With his contract running down, the prospect of losing Pogba for nothing for a second time is a scenario the club want to avoid. Meanwhile, United captain Harry Maguire says the players must recover quickly from their Champions League setback and focus on beating rivals Manchester City on Saturday.
He said: 'All the boys are so disappointed but I've got to pick them up and the gaffer has got to pick them up, as there's no better feeling than winning the derby at Old Trafford.' — MailOnline.