Manchester United’s midfield starlet is reportedly still mulling over a new deal.
The Paul Pogba saga is becoming football’s most dragged out story, and all over a footballer who is yet to start a first team game.
The Times reported this morning that United are no closer to securing his future, despite reports last month that he was ready to sign a new deal.
A decision will likely not be made until the end of the season, but United should not lose much sleep over it.
There was a time when losing highly-rated Pogba was regarded as a nightmare by United fans, but opinion now is far more divided.
With United flying high at the top of the Premier League, you might think that was enough to convince the French midfielder he was in the right place.
Likewise, if he cannot take inspiration from the impressive Paul Scholes, then he is clearly missing a trick.
Juventus are the front runners for his signature, and there are a number of issues in the decision for him to consider.
Money, sure, but whether he stays in Manchester or goes to Turin he will be well remunerated, so to base such an important choice solely on this would be foolish.
He has to examine the lifestyle choices of living in Italy or England, both of which would present different challenges for a young Frenchman.
Then he should look at the styles of football played in the two countries. Pogba’s game is slow paced in approach, and could suit Italy, but he has shone at youth level in England and knows exactly what to expect and how to make an impact if he chooses to stay.
Either way, United should give him short shift.
They have made their offer, and if Pogba’s mind still isn’t made up by now, the chances are it never will be, so the club should start planning for life without him, and work on signing midfield transfer targets who actually want to play for the club.
image: © paolo camera
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