The club took a tough approach to Ravel Morrison and are doing the same with Paul Pogba.
These days stars of Premier League’s youth teams can earn more than the world’s best footballers did generations ago.
And that is before they have even kicked a ball in the first team.
At a young age youth team players will be getting paid seemingly astronomical figures compared to their peers who are not fortunate enough to be blessed with the talent to play professional football.
So hearing about a player like Paul Pogba, at Manchester United, stalling over a new deal may seem alien to some.
He is of course entitled to make lifestyle and even career choices over where he wants to play his football in the future, but the approach Manchester United appear to be taking to him appears commendable.
United were thought to be ready to start him against Ajax last week, but made a u-turn as the situation over his contract dragged on.
They are reportedly refusing to play him until he signs.
It may be stubborn, they may lose him because of it, but the club is taking a moral approach.
If they stick to their guns, others may follow.
United played a tough line with Ravel Morrison.
The youngster was reportedly ‘truant’ from training, frustrated at a lack of first team opportunities and embroiled in his own contract dispute.
A weaker manager than Ferguson could have relented to Morrison’s demands, and played him in an effort to get him to stay.
This ended in Morrison being sold to West Ham. Pogba may also be sold in the summer too.
Time will tell whether Ferguson’s approach is wise or foolish, but right now refusing to bow to player power seems commendable to us.
– Do you agree? Let us know?
image: © Paolo Camera
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