Despite a transfer window roundup that will not please manager Jose Mourinho and a relationship that is reportedly on the rocks, midfielder Paul Pogba looks likely to remain at Manchester United in spite of reports of a transfer request issued by the player.
As time goes on it gets harder to deny that Jose Mourinho’s support at United is in decline. Fans are starting to doubt his treatment of certain players. Club vice-chairman Ed Woodward is rumored to have vetoed the manager’s transfer shortlist. And newly crowned World champion, Paul Pogba is said to have requested a transfer.
Why would Pogba be unhappy at United?
Paul Pogba returned to Manchester United in 2016 for what was at the time a record transfer fee, €105 million. Pogba had been previously represented United as a youth before going on win multiple Serie A titles with Juventus.
His form since reentering the Premier League has fluctuated. The same can be said about his United teammates. Near the end of last season, when it became clear United would not be meeting their objectives, Pogba found himself on the list of players being criticized by Jose Mourinho. The midfielder was benched in several important matches. Rumors about a deterioration between manager and player’s relationship began to appear.
Pogba looking to leave the club?
The defensive midfielder had a great summer. Pogba was a starting player for France as they won the World Cup. His glowing performances once again caught the eye of the world’s finest teams, looking to take advantage of the his current club situation.
Rumors circulated that Spanish champions Barcelona were making inquiries about the player. To make things worse for United, the Catalans are also said to have spoken directly to the player and agreed contractual terms with him. Media speculated that Pogba’s agent attempted to use this to get better terms for his client or to force a move away from United.
Despite the fact that Barcelona acquired a very capable defensive midfielder, Arturo Vidal, there were still plenty of uncertainties leading up to the transfer window deadline in England. No deal went through and as things stand, Pogba is likely to remain at United.
What does Jose Mourinho have to say?
Jose Mourinho got little of what he was looking for at the start of the transfer period. United failed to capture the signatures of Harry Maguire and Diego Godin. Other suggestions made by Mourinho were vetoed by United’s board. It would be natural to assume that those in charge of United are worried about the club’s future should Mourinho depart the club after the current season. The Portuguese has achieved many things, but some would argue he has rarely considered his clubs’ long time prospects.
Mourinho has softened his stance on Pogba. It’s likely that the manager echoed a similar sentiment when speaking directly to the player. “I have my players and I like my players, I like to work with my players
. I like my players and my group. I’m going to enjoy this season,” Mourinho told reporters.
Manchester United take on Leicester City today in the opening match of the new Premier League season. Don’t forget to make your picks for your team and enter the FootballCoin contest we have lined up.
