Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

The end for Pogba as star makes explosive Man Utd admission and door opens for Villa transfer

Paul Pogba, Manchester United matchday, photgraphed here before Premier League game against Leeds United

Paul Pogba has as good as admitted his time at Manchester United is over, having labelled the last season a “dead year”, and with a report detailing the Red Devils’ No 1 choice to replace him.

The World Cup winner returned to Old Trafford in summer 2016, signing in a then-world record £89.3m fee. In his six seasons back at the club, he has made 222 appearances, scoring 39 times. However, it’s safe to say he’s never consistently hit the heights. As such, his time with the Red Devils will be remembered as one of unfulfilled promise.

Indeed, Pogba’s ability has never been in question. His performances at previous club Juventus and with France at international prove him one of the world’s elite midfielders. But playing that way consistently for United has persistently eluded him.

There have, of course, been glimpses. His four assists against Leeds on the opening day illustrated his ability. It also served notice for what many hoped would be a brilliant season.

Sadly for Pogba, and United, that’s about as good as it’s got this season. It sums up his time at the club, perfectly.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Pogba now appears destined to leave as a free agent. That’s something his personal trainer revealed would happen earlier this month.

Now Pogba himself has as good as admitted that his departure from Old Trafford is on, having lifted lid on his frustrations.

Explosive Pogba admission

He told Le Figaro: “You have to be honest, these last five seasons have not satisfied me — really not at all. This year is dead, we won’t win anything. Whether it’s with Manchester United or another club, I want to win trophies.

“It’s simple with France, I play and I play in my position — I know my role and I feel the confidence of the coach and the players. It’s normal to feel a difference at Manchester United because it’s hard to be consistent when you often have a change to your position, or the team system, or your [midfield] partners.”

Paul Pogba to return to Juventus this summer on a pay cut

Paul Pogba to return to Juventus this summer on a pay cut

Juventus contract will take a pay cut to go back to Juventus as Manchester United star will leave this summer

Coming clean on the fact he plays better for France, Pogba has an honest and simple answer.

“I get along very well with [France manager Didier Deschamps], he gave me a role that I know — but at Manchester United do I really have a role? I ask the question, but I don’t have an answer.”

McGinn tipped to replace Paul Pogba

United are reportedly long since preparing for the exit of Paul Pogba, having drawn up a list of replacements.

A host of big-name stars, including Ryan Gravenberch, Aurelien Tchouameni and Declan Rice have all been touted as targets.

Ralf Rangnick is also reportedly keen on Amadao Haidara, from his

According to reports, the man at the top of their wanted list, though, is Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn.

The Scotland midfielder is rated at at least £40m, and signing him would not come cheap.

Villa would also be loathe to lose McGinn, with Steven Gerrard making clear his intentions over the Scotsman.

However, the Birmingham Mail acknowledges his leadership qualities are exactly what United need in midfield. Furthermore, they admit that a sizeable offer from United would give Villa something to think about.

Gerrard would be loathe to lose him, but, amid his own ambitious plans to sign top stars at Villa – including Kalvin Phillips – may be tempted to cash in should United offer big money.

McGinn, 27, has three years left on his Villa deal.

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