When Jose Mourinho was fired in 2018 it felt like the board made a decision between the manager and Paul Pogba.
Mourinho had axed Pogba after becoming unimpressed with his performances and attitude. The hope was that another manager may get more out of him.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has tried. He has tried everything. He has indulged Pogba as much as possible and refused to criticise him.
Solskjaer has selected him out wide in a position created for him and even shifting Marcus Rashford around last season to accommodate him. He has played him in central midfield, with varied results.
Now with Solskjaer’s job hanging by a thread, Pogba has a chance of outlasting another manager.
But the situation surrounding the Frenchman is a total farce and adds to the sense of chaos around United right now.
Is it time Paul Pogba moved on?
Pogba put in a woeful performance against Leicester and was then dropped, deservedly.
In his 15 minute cameo against Liverpool he gave the ball away for a goal and then smirked after being sent off for a wild tackle. The Times described him as ‘abysmal’.
The Sun now report that after the game Pogba ignored Solskjaer and did not say a word to the manager.
While nobody would have felt like talking, and Pogba may simply have been ashamed, what has reportedly transpired since is truly laughable.
The paper claim Pogba has now shelved contract talks and has no desire to renew his deal.
This is laughable because the contract talks have effectively been shelved for months already, at Pogba’s behest.
United have a contract offer on the table since the summer, with The Athletic reporting Pogba has not signed the substantial deal the club have put forward.
With the deal unsigned, United should have been preparing for Pogba’s exit at this point anyhow.
It’s possible a change of manager could have an impact. Is the issue that Pogba just does not believe in Solskjaer?
Could he be inspired by the possible appointment of proven winner and his former Juventus boss Antonio Conte?
It’s possible. But the situation is becoming farcical. Pogba may outlast another boss, but supporters are fast growing tired of his inconsistent displays and the way he has held his contract situation over the club – not for the first time.
Paul Scholes was quoted by The Mail speaking to Premier League Productions saying he thinks Pogba should never play for United again after Sunday.
While extreme, the sentiments are understandable. In the Premier League at least, Pogba is suspended and won’t be available until the Chelsea game on November 28.
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