Paul Pogba makes Manchester United ‘contract u-turn’ despite PSG transfer plans

The midfielder’s future at Old Trafford may not be nearing a conclusion after all.
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Paul Pogba’s protracted contract situation has dominated Manchester United transfer reports over the past few months, and as we enter the final days of the January window that shows no signs of abating.

The Frenchman hasn’t played for the Red Devils since early November due to a hamstring injury, although he could return to the side when the current international break is over.

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Pogba may not have yet played under interim manager Ralf Rangnick, but the German’s recent comments regarding the midfielder suggest the pair have a good relationship, which, according to reports, could help extend the 28-year-old’s stint in Manchester.

Pogba hasn’t played for United in nearly three months due to injury. Credit: Getty.Pogba hasn’t played for United in nearly three months due to injury. Credit: Getty.
Pogba hasn’t played for United in nearly three months due to injury. Credit: Getty.

What’s been reported?

With Pogba’s contract at United set to expire at the end of the season, he is free to begin negotiations with overseas clubs about a possible move this summer.

However, as per the Sun, the Red Devils No.6 is ready to make a ‘u-turn’ and sign a new deal at Old Trafford, should Rangnick remain as manager beyond the 2021/22 campaign.

The report claims Pogba has been hugely impressed by Rangnick’s methods and has been convinced to stay due to the coach’s ‘vision of the future’. His status as a popular figure in the team could also help to overcome the various squad cliques which have formed.

Rangnick has reportedly impressed Pogba. Credit: Getty.Rangnick has reportedly impressed Pogba. Credit: Getty.
Rangnick has reportedly impressed Pogba. Credit: Getty.
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However, Rangnick is currently only set to continue in the manager’s role until the end of the season, before he takes up a consultancy role at United.

While the former RB Leipzig coach has previously said he could stay on as manager if he felt it were the right decision, Rangnick has also regularly discussed how his contract only runs until the end of this campaign.

It was reported earlier this week that the four names in the running to replace the 63-year-old are Mauricio Pochettino, Erik ten Hag, Luis Enrique and Julen Lopetegui.

Who’s interested in Pogba?

Pogba has been linked with all of Europe’s top clubs in recent months, including the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus.

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But it has been suggested Paris Saint-Germain have prioritised his signing this summer, with Kylian Mbappe likely to depart for Real.

French outlet L’Equipe claim PSG have already made contact with Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola regarding a possible switch to Paris in the summer.

What’s Rangnick had to say?

Rangnick was asked earlier this month about Pogba’s contract situation and admitted he’s unsure what is happening regarding the ex-Juventus man’s future.

“I don’t know,” he responded. “I cannot answer the second part of your question because it’s not me dealing with this, I’m not negotiating about future contracts with players.

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“But what you could see from the very first day in training yesterday is that he’s present. He’s physically present, he’s mentally present,” the interim manager added.

“What I saw in training yesterday was very promising for the future and I’m very much looking forward to having him available in two weeks’ time after the international break, and I think he will be a serious candidate for the first XI.”