Man United midfielder Paul Pogba celebrates after scoring in the Manchester United. (Getty Images)
According to 90min (h/t The Sun), Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is desperate to play for Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane.
Pogba, 27, came through United’s youth ranks and established himself as one of the best midfielders with Juventus, where he played for 4 years. In 178 appearances for the Old Lady, he chalked up 34 goals and 40 assists returned to Old Trafford for his second stint with the Red Devils.
He was instrumental in Manchester United’s Europa League title-winning campaign under Jose Mourinho and also featured regularly under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The £290k-a-week was at his best last season with 13 goals and 9 assists in the league but has been forced out of action for the majority of this campaign due to an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Zinedine Zidane’s men have been in top form as they are just one point behind Barcelona in the race for the La Liga title. Though they struggled last season after the departure of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, the French tactician’s return to the club has elevated their game.
Los Blancos have been in brilliant form in all the departments and had also claimed the Spanish Super Cup back in January. However, the manager should bring in reinforcements to their midfield at the earliest with some players nearing an exit.
Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Federico Valverde and Casemiro have been featuring regularly for the Spanish giants. But Colombian international James Rodriguez has fallen down the pecking order under Zidane and has just one more year left on his contract. And Modric’s age has been catching up with his performance.
Thus, adding a world-class midfielder to their ranks would be a huge boost to the team and Paul Pogba would be a suitable option as his heart is set to play for Los Blancos.
Though the World Cup winner has been out of action for the best part of the campaign, his qualities can never be doubted. He could be a replacement for Modric or Rodriguez and would be a valuable addition to the squad.
Pogba’s inclusion would definitely bring a healthy competition within the squad and he also has immense experience at the highest level with 349 career appearances. He has also featured more than 60 times for France and could be a crucial player for Zidane’s side in the future.
Kroos and Modric are already in their 30’s and Madrid need to bring in reinforcements to bolster their midfield option. And Pogba would certainly add depth and quality to the squad, given he keeps himself away from injuries.
Hence, the Spanish giants should make a move for the former Juventus man in the summer as he has a lot more to offer at the highest level.
