01 Aug 2019 09:10:56
A potentially key bit of business that could have paved the way for Pogba to leave hasn't materialised.

The Chinese transfer window has now closed and with it any deal to take Bale to China has gone.

This is potentially key in any deal for Pogba as it is thought that Real Madrid need to get Bale's wages off the wage bill to accommodate a move for Pogba. With no European teams interested in Bale it looks like he will spend another season in Madrid.

Could that mean Pogba doesn't get his dream move to Real Madrid this year? If so will he knuckle down and work hard for Ole this season?


1.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 09:31:26
If that happens and Pogba does stay with us I can but hope that he carries on performing as he is in pre season because I think he's been excellent. Also OGS gives the distinct impression he wants Pogba to stay and all the chatter of weeks ago, including by his agent, seems to have gone quiet. But I guess the answer to your question is known only by Mr Pogba so we have to see what develops with fingers crossed.


2.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 09:34:57
You mean work hard for Manchester United, right?


3.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 09:35:33
If Pogba stays, I believe he will flourish even more this season.
Since there are more runners, he can pick those top draw passes that can unlock defences.

On another note Real may also need to get rid of James. They have an ageing midfield as well.


4.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 09:48:29
Well from the preseason he seems to have knuckled down and working hard already. Also his 'contributions' to media, social and otherwise aren't as bad for now. Let's hope this carries into the season.


5.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 10:00:41
Agreed Shappy. I would be very surprised if Pogba left at this stage. Considering the minutes he's played in preseason and the comments from Ole regarding him being integral to the first 11 etc. Look at Lukaku, it's widely accepted that he is leaving and he hasn't had a sniff during preseason, regardless of how much the club say he's injured.


6.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 10:01:25
Madrid have spent some serious money this window. If they were that serious on Pogba, he should have been in the door earlier. We all know he wants to go, but if no one is willing to even attempt to sign him for the fee we want then there's nothing he can do.

Pogba's performances seem to magnify how the team plays. When we're great, he's great, when we're bad he's bad . He's not a player to grab a game by the scruff of the neck. If Ole can shore up the defense and get the attacking players improving on last year's performances, then we will see a better Pogba.


7.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 10:45:58
Shappy - I was never convinced a move for Pogba would materialise this summer. His contract doesn't expire until 2021 with the option of an additional year. Ole has always reiterated that Pogba is fundamental to his future plans and this has been his consistent message throughout his tenure as Utd boss. He has praised Pogba's attitude and professionalism and only recently stated that his first choice 11 will always contain Paul Pogba.

Utd are obviously aware of Pogba's desire for a new challenge and if any team was prepared to meet his valuation than I believe they would be happy to let him move. From a business perspective it makes financial sense to sell a player for a large profit and re invest this back into the squad especially for a player that wants a new challenge.

Madrid have prioritised other targets, as yet they have been unable to move on players on the periphery of their squad and haven't yet tested Utd's resolve.

I don't think Utd have priced Pogba out of a move. A valuation of £150m is reasonable in today's market. He's our best player, he's still under contract, he is fundamental to the managers plans, at 26 he's approaching his peak years still with room for improvement, he's a box office player and on his day capable of performances unrivalled by many players. He's also a hugely marketable, world famous name. Utd have no great need or desire to sell therefore if any Club wants him they must meet our valuation. Harry Maguire has stated his desire to move however Leicester are standing firm and demanding a fee they feel is justified for one of their key players. The same thing is happening with Zaha at Palace. Players understand the consequences of signing long term deals. They are happy to reap the financial rewards and security such contracts provide yet still feel they should be allowed to leave a Club when they chose.

Pogba may eventually get his dream move, just like Ronald and Hazard before him but it might not be this summer. The best thing Pogba can do is let his football do the taking.


8.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 10:50:32
Great post DLIB.


9.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 10:54:00
DLIB on the money imo, if Madrid really wanted him they have prioritised 300mill worth of players before him .
As for juve well it looks like they are interested in lukaku, pogba?


10.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 11:37:13
Pogba hasn't put a foot wrong since he got on the plane to australia.

Shown his qualities on the pitch and his leadership qualities around the young players and is forming a promising partnership with mctominay, they complement each other well.

With a week to go in the window, its imperative that the club keep pogba as they will not be able to find an adequate replacement.

SMS and fernandes are not on pogbas level, no matter what fans personally feel about pogba.


11.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 12:14:42
Ole speaking yesterday about the captaincy. I’d put money on it being given to Pogba.
Funny old world really if it does work out like that. My personal choice would be De Gea.


12.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 12:26:07
Let's hope he'll begin to enjoy his football, the system, if all goes well, should allow for that. He's always said he needs to be enjoying the game to perform, that was hard under Mourinho, and getting called a virus didn't probably help matters.


13.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 12:31:21
I'm not a fan of keeping a player who doesn't want to stay at the club. However, a player of Pogba's stature and cost makes moving club's complicated.

I think it's becoming more and more likely that he will stay, to the point where I would say if he is still here at the close of the English transfer window and SMS hasn't been signed then he will stay another year.

I hope his good relationship with Ole means he will work hard and not cause problems as he did under the previous manager. Also he will have to adapt to a deeper role I feel. Also with better players, and a more offensive style hopefully that can bring the best out of him and he can find some consistency.


14.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 13:11:18
We won't sell him before we have ready made replacements on board.


15.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 10:09:56
Would Pogba staying impact the signing of Fernandes? Pogba/ Dybala/ Fernandes all like to play in that advanced midfield roll and I can’t see how we can accommodate all.

Also didn’t Ed002 mention Madrid were in discussion with Bayern regarding Bale?

{Ed002's Note - Bale is not going to BM.}


16.) 01 Aug 2019
01 Aug 2019 17:44:43
Lack of signings and people are suddenly seeing positives in Pogba.