Paul Pogba had Manchester United exit arranged before coronavirus pandemic

According to Spanish publication AS (h/t Express), Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba was all set to leave the club in the summer.

The French international had already arranged for a deal that would see him exit Old Trafford. It is now very likely to change. Real Madrid and Juventus were both keen on the player, who now faces a career-defining summer.

According to the report, the signing of Bruno Fernandes was made to offset the Frenchman’s departure. United are also set to go big in the coming months for Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish.

However, following the coronavirus crisis, the number of teams who can afford the 27-year-old is at a premium.

The Red Devils spent £89million on Pogba in 2016, making him the most expensive signing in club history. Given the current financial climate, turning a profit on him in the upcoming window seems fanciful at best.

United do have the option of extending his contract by another year. They will be well advised to do so, given that his current deal is set to expire next summer.

The World cup winner could be offered a fresh lease of life at Old Trafford. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to partner Pogba alongside Fernandes in the United midfield.

The potential of such a pairing is exciting on paper. With the Frenchman set to return to action, fans could get a taste of it once the football resumes.

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Pogba is an excellent midfielder who has only shown his best sporadically at Old Trafford. When he is on song, there are a precious few midfielders in world football who can outdo him.

If he can get his head straight, he will prove to be an invaluable asset for us.