Here we go again
Since returning to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016, rumours that Paul Pogba might one day be on the move again have never been too far away.
After regular reports of clashes with previous United boss Jose Mourinho, there was brief hope that the midfielder might remain at Old Trafford for the long-term following the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. This, however, seems far from certain once again.
Pogba’s form has been inconsistent since returning to United, but, not helped by injury and his recovery from a positive Covid-19 test in the summer, he has struggled to hold down even a regular starting berth for his club this term.
Despite this, he continues to be a key player for the France national side, who he helped to World Cup glory two years ago. Back on international duty, Pogba has now admitted that the start to the season with United has been the most difficult spell of his entire career, with the chance to meet up with his France teammates a welcome break.
“I had never known such a difficult period in my career,” he said during an interview with RTL.
“The France team is a breath of fresh air, the group is exceptional, it’s magic.”
Paul Pogba to RTL: "This is a period I've never experienced in my career. The French national team is a breath of fresh air… we are very happy to come here. It's not the same as with the club. We all group together, it is magical". [@GFFN] 🔴🇫🇷 #MUFC #France #Pogba
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 15, 2020
Despite reports towards the end of the season which suggested United were looking to extend Pogba’s contract, talk of a new deal appears to have dried up. With his current deal due to expire in 2022, the club may be forced to make a decision as to whether or not to cash in on him while they can.
Pogba’s comments come within days of his national team boss Didier Deschamps also saying the midfielder isn’t happy with life at Old Trafford.
“Paul, I know him well and he knows the group well,” Deschamps said. “He is in a situation with his club where he cannot be happy, neither with his playing time, nor with his positioning.
“He is not in his best period, he has had a series of injuries and the Covid-19 which has hit him quite hard. He needs to find his rhythm. The match he had to make last month was good and consistent despite a lack of pace. We cannot however say that he is fulfilled in what he does at his club.”
After a surprise home defeat by Finland at the start of the international break, Pogba and his teammates recovered to record a 1-0 win over Portugal in Lisbon to send them through to the final four of the Uefa Nations League.
