Ralf Rangnick’s comments on Paul Pogba hint at a ruthless decision

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One of Ralf Rangnick’s tasks at Manchester United will be to solve the Paul Pogba conundrum.

Pogba has been at United for five and a half years and has only enjoyed brief, fleeting success.

Now out injured until 2022, Pogba could have played his final game for the club, with his contract winding down.

The transfer window gives United a chance to sell the Frenchman. He could be asked to commit and sign a new deal, or simply leave the club on a free transfer.

With Ralf Rangnick set to be appointed as interim manager, The Athletic report, it looks more likely Pogba will be allowed to leave, one way or another.

Ruthless decision over Pogba likely

Rangnick was quoted in 2017 stating Pogba did not fit into his style of play.

He told Goal he had a player who suited his team better, one who has since performed poorly in England, Liverpool’s Naby Keita.

Rangnick said that he “wouldn’t swap Keita with Pogba for our style of play.”

This suggest Rangnick does not rate Pogba as a suitable player for his high pressing style of football. Having watched the Frenchman at United over the past five years, this is not surprising whatsoever.

Now it is possible, that with Pogba at his disposal, Rangnick may either adapt his tactics to fit the Frenchman in and make use of his talents, or spend time coaching the midfielder to develop him.

But considering Rangnick’s short-term immediate role, and his eye on the future, with Pogba’s contract expiring, there seems little attraction in a temporary on-pitch solution.

Rangnick’s appointment is all about laying the groundwork for future success, and with Pogba failing to commit to United, and not ostensibly a fit for the manager’s system, a parting of the ways seems increasingly likely.

A bold decision to move on from Pogba would be ruthless, but it would also solve the dilemma and create clean slate for the next permanent manager, while also potentially bringing in some funds in January.

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