According to the British "Daily Mirror" report, Manchester United is still obsessed with French superstar Pogba, and will only purge him in one situation, that is, the player himself has made it clear that he wants to leave the team in January. In reality, Pogba and Mino Raiola certainly won't do that, which means the French back is likely to leave the squad on a free transfer next summer, leaving United with nothing.
The 28-year-old Pogba's contract with Manchester United is about to enter the final 6 months, and his renewal negotiations with the club have long been stalled. According to FIFA transfer rules, from January 1, Laiola can freely contact teams outside England to find a home for Pogba, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Real Madrid, with whom he has been rumored.
But the Daily Mirror reported that even if a club offers Pogba, United will only consider accepting when the player clearly states that he wants to go. In reality, both of these conditions are almost impossible. First of all, Pogba can be signed for free next summer, who will spend money on the winter transfer window to bring in him who is still recuperating? Second, Pogba and Raiola will not apply to leave the team, and the current state is the ideal environment for him to fight for the best interests, whether it is staying at Manchester United or transferring to other teams.
Lonnick has made it clear that he will not lobby anyone to change their minds to stay at United, but Pogba's renewal is not decided by the Germans, but by the United hierarchy. ESPN reported that Manchester United's board expects Pogba to remain with the team in the second half of the season.
Pogba has been reimbursed early this year after being injured in training for France last month and is unlikely to return in January, having yet to play for the new Manchester United manager. Premier League star John Barnes believes that Manchester United do not have to indulge in Pogba's so-called talent, the development of the past 6 years has long proved that he is not suitable for the Red Devils, other midfielders may not be as famous as him, but may be better in function, such as Barca's Frankie De Jong.
The 24-year-old de Jong has offensive ability and a better defensive sense than Pogba. Barnes commented: "De Jong will be the ideal choice for Manchester United, Pogba leaving the club is almost a foregone conclusion, then it is very important to bring in a replacement. This should be a young and talented player who can be the main force of the club. De Jong is first-rate in terms of passing ability, game intensity and attitude, the type that United's midfield is missing. Manchester United signed Vanderbeek for this reason, but he failed to get a chance. However, if De Jong is brought in, let him play directly and give him enough trust, it will be a win-win situation for Manchester United and the players."
De Jong joined Barca from Ajax for £77 million in 2019 and played 114 games, but the la Liga giants, who are now short of money, are rumored to be willing to sell him for £47 million.
According to The Athletic, Lonnick told United executives he needed a tall midfielder-controlled player like Nemanja Matic. De Jong does not meet this condition, his height is only 180cm, which is only the average size among the players. England internationals Declan Rice and Bellingham, who have been rumored to be with Manchester United, are both above 185cm in stature, but the Red Devils have difficulty getting them from West Ham and Borussia Dortmund, especially in the winter transfer window.