Manchester United’s hierarchy are not impressed with Paul Pogba’s decision to go public with his desire to exit Old Trafford – though still intend to keep the World Cup winner, According to reports.
Pogba told reporters in Tokyo that it could be time for a ‘new challenge’ amid interest from Juventus and Real Madrid, with Zidane having made the midfielder Real’s top midfield target this summer window.
But according to the Daily Mail, Pogba’s comments went down like a lead balloon to the United board, who were ‘distinctly unimpressed’ with the France international.
Last summer, with reported interest from Barcelona, they made it clear that he would not be leaving and that stance remains the same now despite the midfielder’s comments.
As far as United’s board are concerned, it would take an ‘astronomical’ offer to convince them to allow him leave and they are planning for next campaign Pogba still at the club.
United bosses are also frustrated that Paul Pogba used a promotional tour with an official club partner – shirt sponsors Adidas – to make the statement about his future at Old Trafford.
Speaking to reporters during a tour of Asia, he said: ‘Like you said, there is a lot of talking and a lot of thinking as well.
‘For me I have been for three years in Manchester and have been doing great, some good moments and some bad moments, like everybody. Like everywhere else.
‘After everything that happened this season, with my season being my best season as well… I think for me it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else. I am thinking of this: to have a new challenge somewhere else.’
Pogba enjoyed his best campaign for United, leading the club’s goals and assists charts, and any club looking to sign him will need to pay around £150million.
It remains to be seen whether Pogba will stay or leave the club, but there has been a lot of debate about the Frenchman’s lack of respect, and Alex Ferguson also said the same when he left United for Juve in 2012.
“Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we’re aware,” Ferguson told MUTV.
“It’s a bit disappointing because I don’t think he showed us any respect at all. To be honest, if they carry on that way, I’m quite happy that he’s away, from me, anyway.”
