Why Manchester United need to convince Paul Pogba to stay beyond this season

According to Daily Mail, Paul Pogba has agreed to hold talks regarding his future at Manchester United at the end of the season. Pogba will be entering the final year of his contract then. The club and his representatives have decided to push back talks about his future until the end of the season so that he can concentrate on his football.

Pogba’s on-off journey at Manchester United

Interestingly enough, he joined Manchester United’s academy in 2009 and progressed through the youth ranks to appear in three senior games. However, he let his contract run down and moved to Juventus on a free transfer.

Manchester United had to swallow humble pie when they re-signed him for a (then) world-record transfer in 2016.

So far, Pogba has had a mixed bag at United. Capable of world-class performances, fans have seen too little of the Pogba they saw at Juventus. It has all been bits and pieces as he has struggled with form and injuries. The £290,000-a-week star has also not helped United’s cause with comments about wanting to play for Real Madrid some day.

Let’s not forget the biggest body blow his agent gave the club. On the eve of Manchester United’s biggest game in the Champions League this season against Leipzig, Mino Raiola went ahead and said that Pogba needs a change of scenery and will not be extending his stay at the club.

Manchester United need to keep Pogba even after this season

Over the last month or so, fans have witnessed a different Paul Pogba. This is one player with buckets of confidence and guile, so much so that he has scored winning goals against Burnley and Fulham. Add to that his worldie against West Ham.

In games where Bruno Fernandes has blown a bit cold, Pogba has taken it upon himself to pull Manchester United over the line. His efforts have not gone in vain as the club have been tipped for a shocking title challenge in almost 8 years.

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Perhaps it’s the chance to win one of football’s biggest prizes that has driven Pogba, both on and off the field. Maybe the chance to get his hands on silverware has made him somewhat contradict his agent’s statements.

After all, every professional player wants to win and be a part of a club that can help him do so. This could be the difference from the last four seasons as Manchester United look genuine contenders for silverware this season. However, they will need Paul Pogba even beyond this season, especially after his form in this one.