Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is “braced for a fresh move” by Real Madrid for Paul Pogba, but the Manchester United manager is adamant the Frenchman is staying put at Old Trafford.
The Daily Telegraph claims that Solskjaer has “no intention” of selling Pogba, a stance that has the full backing of the United board.
In recent weeks Pogba’s people, notably his agent Mino Raiola and his brother Mathias, have been telling all and sundry that the French World Cup winner’s interests would be best served by a move to Madrid.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Real, for their part, are apparently “fixated” upon bringing the midfielder to the Bernabeu.
But the Telegraph says that Solskjaer - whose side slumped to a 2-0 defeat away at West Ham on Sunday - has no concerns about “Pogba’s commitment or long-term future at Old Trafford”.
Crazy commitment
Pogba missed Sunday’s game because of injury but Solskjaer dismissed suggestions that the Frenchman’s absence from the United side will soon be permanent.
“I don’t listen to the president of Real Madrid [Florentino Pérez],” said Solskjaer, when asked about the Spanish giants’s interest.
“Paul is working hard here and he is totally committed to Manchester United. We have seen that while he’s been injured.
“He has been working like crazy to get himself fit because he wants to play for us and he wants to help his team-mates.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues free–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
No worries
Asked if he feared Pogba’s head could be turned by a combination of Madrid and agent Raiola, Solskjaer said: “I am not worried now and I will never be worried in the future about Paul Pogba staying here.
“If it all kicks off with Madrid in January then there will be no worries then either. If we have to live with the speculation again then we will handle it like we did in the summer.
“Paul is going nowhere. He is happy here when he’s playing.”
Mourinho to Madrid?
Madrid’s desperation to prise Pogba from Old Trafford is only set to increase if they continue to struggle on the pitch, and there is growing speculation that Zinedine Zidane may be living on borrowed time at the Bernabeu.
The Daily Star claims that he “might not even be in charge by the time that the transfer window reopens in January”.
If he does get the sack, the man tipped to replace him as coach is Jose Mourinho, in which case, says the Star, Pogba will most definitely not move to Madrid.
Mourinho branded Pogba “a virus” shortly before he got the chop at Old Trafford last December and it’s inconceivable that the midfielder would want a reunion with the “Special One”.
Today’s back pages
Man Utd are ‘so bad it’s scary’
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues free–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
-
'The question is what it does for the ecosystem'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
August 26 editorial cartoonsCartoons Tuesday’s political cartoons include a simple guide to gerrymandering, a MAGA-approved Cracker Barrel logo, and an FBI raid at John Bolton's house
-
Four royal holiday hotspotsThe Week Recommends Follow in the footsteps of royalty and experience the charm of some of their most popular getaways
-
How do new stadiums affect football clubs?In the Spotlight Everton's decision to move its men's team out of Goodison Park could be a catalyst for vital change, but there are cautionary tales too
-
Liverpool's Anfield redemption: how did they do it?Talking Point Arne Slot's blueprint and standout player performances guide the Reds to record 20th league title
-
Where are all the English football managers?Talking Point Eddie Howe's Carabao Cup success underlines absence of homegrown coaching talent in the Premier League
-
New Trafford: can it fix Manchester United's footballing problems?Talking Point Plan for £2 billion stadium despite staff job losses and lack of success on the pitch
-
Denis Law obituary: fond farewell to 'the King of the Stretford End'In the Spotlight Scottish footballer who was one of Manchester United's 'Holy Trinity' has died aged 84
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten HagTalking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
