Paul Pogba ‘annoyed’ by Rangnick benching v Atletico Madrid as pundits debate ‘final nail’ in Man Utd coffin
Paul Pogba has reportedly been left furious by his benching against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League – with two pundits claiming the decision will finally end their hopes of tying the midfielder to a new contract.
A few months remain until the end of Pogba’s contract as a Manchester United player. His second spell with the club, which began in 2016, has not been all it was expected to be. Although he has shown his ability on several occasions and won some trophies, United have never quite got the same version of the player that Juventus did before them.
Likewise, the 2018 World Cup winner has often looked a better player when representing France. But the risk of losing him for free for a second time in his career has made United think long and hard about his club future.
Pogba has been free to talk with foreign clubs since the turn of the year. For now, he remains focused on his duties with United. However, a number of foreign suitors are all lurking around a potential deal.
With that in mind ,the player’s personal trainer on Monday detailed why the midfielder will likely move on this summer.
That said, United are still hopeful he could yet sign an extension.
However, the fact that Pogba was dropped to the bench on Tuesday night to face Atletico Madrid in their Champions League last second second-leg tie will not have gone down well with the player. It may also prove the final nail in their coffin as far as signing a new deal is concerned.
Birthday misery for Paul Pogba
Indeed, Pogba – 29 today – was overlooked on his birthday of all days, with Scott McTominay earning a recall instead.
As a result, Italian pundits Massimo Mauro and Gianluca Di Marzio claim the decision will ‘make Pogba even more keen on a return to Juventus’.
“Being as annoyed as he is tonight could be the decisive factor in seeing Pogba want a change of scenery,” pundit Mauro told Mediaset, as cited by Football Italia.
“He’d be very welcome in Turin.”
PSG and Real Madrid are also contenders to sign Pogba when his contract expires in June.
Star doesn’t want to continue at Man Utd
However, Di Marzio reckons he will feel the love if he returns to previous club Juventus.
“Pogba certainly didn’t expect to get dropped on his birthday. What I can say is that United have an offer ready to renew Pogba’s contract and will have a meeting with his representatives over the next few weeks,” said Sky Sport Italia pundit Di Marzio.
“I find it improbable that Pogba would want to continue here, especially if Ralf Rangnick remains as coach.
“Pogba left his heart in Turin, but he’d have to leave half his salary too. He currently earns €14m per season net, while the new policy at Juventus is €8m max.
“So if he wanted to come back to Juventus, he’d have to take a big pay cut.”
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