Paul Pogba has endured his first long blip in form since joining Manchester United in 2016, which has led to a lot of speculation lately. The Frenchman was substituted in the 2-0 defeat to Spurs before Jose Mourinho dropped him to the bench for the 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town.
Pogba was once again hooked in the defeat against Newcastle United last week, fuelling further speculation that his future may lie away from Old Trafford, with Real Madrid reportedly interested. But renowned Spanish journalist Guillem Balague claims Real are not interested in the player and won’t make a move for him at the end of the season.
“It is normal that when things are not perfect with the superstar of a big club, stories emerge in the media,” Balague told Sky Sports.
“Regarding Pogba, a leak to French publication L’Equipe suggested he wants a different position on the pitch to improve his performances.
“When reports like that emerge, don’t be surprised that reports claiming Real Madrid want him soon follow. But they don’t, they do not have the money to finance such a deal after they buy their main targets this summer. Perhaps more importantly, Real president Florentino Perez does not view him as a target.”
United manager Jose Mourinho also slammed the media for circulating rumours of a rift between him and Pogba.
“I don’t have to speak with you about my conversations with my players — it’s my problem and the player’s problem,” Mourinho told in his pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup clash against Huddersfield.
“Paul accepts he has not been playing well but that’s all.
“It’s a big lie that our relationship is not good, that we don’t communicate, that we don’t agree with his positions and his involvement in the dynamic of the team.
“Say what we all know in the last couple of matches: he didn’t play well. Period. End of story. Now it’s my problem and Paul’s to improve his performance level.”
It is just a dip in Pogba’s form that has left the English media in bonkers. The rumours linking him to a move away from Old Trafford and reports of a tussle between him and the manager are absolute trash. Pogba remains a vital cog in United’s machine and is viewed as the club’s future skipper.
