Paul Pogba transfer can solve Man Utd long-term problem for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Solskjaer says talks are ongoing between Man Utd and Pogba over new deal

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer threw down the gauntlet to Paul Pogba with a daring statement, challenging the Manchester United star to continue to give everything to the club while his contract saga rumbles on. But at some point, the club must be prepared for the eventuality that their record signing could leave for nothing.

There are only seven days remaining of the summer transfer window and as it stands, Pogba will be staying with the Red Devils.

Solskjaer made it abundantly clear that he is more concerned with the present situation, insisting he would not be sold this summer.

“Yes, I expect Paul to be here when the first of September comes,” the United boss told reporters.

“If you’ve got a five-year contract or a one-year contract, when you sign for Man Utd you have to rise to the challenge of performing on a consistent level.

“I’m not worried whatsoever that the length of any player’s contract is changing the level of their motivation and inspiration. You want to play well for your team, your team-mates, yourself, your family, every time you play.

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“What I expect is that the attitude and the approach to every game is the right one. That we have the same focus, the right focus, the right professionalism and, with that, I have no worries about Paul whatsoever.”

It is understandable that Man United would rather wait to convince Pogba some 10 months down the road — when his contract expires — than cash in now and risk weakening the squad.

Of the six goals United have scored in the Premier League in their opening two matches, Pogba has set up five of them. His influence has arguably never been greater in this team.

The fact that Paris Saint-Germain, who were interested in Pogba earlier this summer, have pulled off the signing of Lionel Messi could be good news for United.

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Pogba would likely require a huge salary, which when added together with Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Georginio Wijnaldum’s wages could tip the Ligue 1 giants over the edge of Financial Fair Play.

It seems likely, for now at least, that Pogba will shelve his contract discussions until January, when he will be free to discuss a free transfer to any club in Europe.

From Solskjaer’s point of view, he has to be selfish and starting planning ahead.

The Norwegian is yet to taste success as a manager at Man United, despite spending over £500million since taking the helm at Old Trafford in November 2018.

Even under-pressure Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has won the FA Cup. Brendan Rodgers achieved the feat last season at Leicester City.

Thomas Tuchel took a leaky Chelsea side and transformed them into Champions League winners in the space of five months.

There can be no excuses anymore about failing to take this United side to glory; they are certainly equipped with a talented squad to challenge for honours.

Keeping players of Pogba’s calibre will be central to Solskjaer’s plans of ending United’s four-year trophy drought, perhaps with their first Premier League title since 2012-13.

But the 28-year-old heading to the Parc des Princes in 2022 cannot be ruled out and that is why he must make contingency plans now.

It could be argued that United no longer require a direct replacement for Pogba, given Bruno Fernandes’ contributions of 41 goals in 82 matches from midfield.

But there is another area which requires strengthening and that was evident from the disappointing 1-1 draw with Southampton on Sunday.

Scott McTominay has already committed his future to the club for the long-term. Aside from the Scotland international, however, there is no obvious candidate to partner him in central midfield for years to come.

There remain doubts over the consistency of Brazilian midfielder Fred, while Nemanja Matic at 33 will know his best years are behind him.

Even the pre-season optimism of seeing Donny van de Beek bulk up to become a no.6 has not materialised, with the Dutchman sitting on the bench for both matches so far this season.

Any move in following up their interest in West Ham captain Declan Rice is likely to cost north of £80m, while Rennes starlet Eduardo Camavinga – like Pogba – may be available to sign on a free transfer next summer.

A deal for Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez looked to be in the works but is yet to materialise, while Yves Bissouma could be a low-cost option at around £25m.

Solskjaer has assembled a squad with a mixture of experience and youthful exuberance, with almost every position accounted for over the next five years due to their new transfer strategy.

The only hole left to fill is for United to find their N’Golo Kante, their Fabinho — a player who loves intercepting passes and running tirelessly between his box and the opposition’s.

United may need to sell in order to fund such a move, having paid £108m to sign Sancho and Varane this summer.

And with Pogba looking likely to go in 2022 anyway, Solskjaer may need to reconsider his pledge not to sell if an interested party makes a late move for the World Cup winner.

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