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Man Utd transfer news: Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice, Ander Herrera
Solskjaer issues ‘hands-off warning’ to Real Madrid over star midfielder Pogba
Manchester United’s manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer used the pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Barcelona to issue a “hands-off warning” to Real Madrid.
The Daily Mirror reports that the warning concerns Paul Pogba, who the Spanish giants are shamelessly courting. The normally mild-mannered Solskjaer shot down speculation that the World Cup-winning midfielder could leave Old Trafford for the Bernabeu in the summer.
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“He’s a Manchester United player,” snapped Solskjaer when asked about Pogba’s future. “I cannot see him not playing for Man Utd next season either.”
The Norwegian than emphasised the importance of Pogba to United, declaring: “He’s one of our big performers on the big stage… at Paul’s best he can run a game like this. Paul’s job is to be the creator and to drive us forward. I expect him to perform [against Barcelona].”
Herrera speaks out
Ander Herrera has done little to endear himself to the United board and fans during an interview with the Spanish broadcaster ABC.
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On the subject of Pogba, the 29-year-old said the Frenchman would be “a great reinforcement for Madrid”. But it was what Herrera said about his own future that will have most irritated the Old Trafford board, reports Metro.
The midfielder becomes a free agent at the end of the season and reports circulating last week said he had reached a pre-contract agreement with Paris Saint-Germain.
He had been tipped to replace Antonio Valencia as United’s club captain but Metro claims that for the Spaniard to stay loyal they will need “to satisfy Herrera’s mammoth £200,000-a-week wage demands”.
Asked to clarify his contract situation, Herrera replied: “I only have two months on my contract left, and today, Manchester United and I aren’t thinking the same [on wages] and there is no renewal agreement. My duty is to keep listening to United… but also to other clubs. I do not close doors.”
(Image credit: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Rice for Matic?
According to the Daily Express Nemanja Matic’s United future depends on whether the Red Devils can lure Declan Rice from West Ham.
The 20-year-old Rice, recently capped by England, is being linked with a move to Old Trafford despite his signing of a new contract in December to keep him at the London Stadium until 2024.
United have made it clear they are ready to offer Rice “a significant increase to his £30,0000-a-week wages”. The Express says that should United also meet the Hammers’ £50m asking price for Rice, the young midfielder could be moving into Matic’s locker at Old Trafford.
Rashford close to new deal
Finally, the Daily Mirror reports that Marcus Rashford is “closing in on a huge new Manchester United deal that will earn him a stunning £78m”.
The England striker is in advanced talks with United over a new five-year contract. Assuming he signs, the 21-year-old will see his wage packet soar from his current derisory £80,000-a-week to a more respectable £300,000.
