Recent reports from The Sun state that Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could pen down a contract extension if interim manager Ralf Rangnick is appointed on a permanent basis.
Paul Pogba’s contract extension talks have been stalled for a long time now with neither the club nor the agent (Mino Raiola) able to make any breakthrough, as a result of which the fans were convinced that the Frenchman would pack his bags and depart Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of the 2021/22 season.
However, according to the latest reports, Rangnick has won over the player by making him a vital part of the club’s future plans. The German coach has informed Pogba that the team, especially the midfield, would be built around him in the forthcoming seasons. Furthermore, he also wants the midfielder to relish a leadership role by becoming a driving force behind the scenes.
The news might come as a surprise to the fans, as Rangnick had previously said that he wouldn’t try to persuade Pogba to extend his stay if he didn’t want to.
“I wouldn’t say he’s not worth keeping,” the former RB Leipzig boss said.
“But players have to want to play for a big club like Manchester United. If a player does not want to play Manchester United in the medium or long term, I don’t think it makes sense to convince him to change his mind.”
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Nonetheless, the drastic U-turn seems to be a piece of positive news as it would prevent the club’s record signing from leaving for free.
The four-time Serie A winner has been out of action since November with a leg injury that he picked up on international duty while training. With four months of the season left, an encouraging spell could repair the damaged relations between the 28-year-old and the club hierarchy, thereby making the renewal possible.
Is He Needed At The Club?
Those in the past, namely Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have struggled to get the best out of Paul Pogba on a regular basis. Further controversial comments from the player and his agent have soured the relations between him and the fans to a great extent.
Tentatively set to return on February 8 against Burnley, it will be interesting to see how he adapts to Rangnick’s high-press style of football. If he starts delivering on the pitch, the bumper contract renewal might as well be worth it.
