Pundit issues ‘brutal’ claim on Man United selling ‘awful’ Pogba next month
Man United will be “better off” without Paul Pogba and should look to “get rid” in January, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 28-year-old’s “awful” performances mean he has “not done enough” to stay at Old Trafford.
The 2018 World Cup winner has just six months remaining on his United contract and is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club on 1 January.
As quoted by Sky Sports (11 December) manager Ralf Rangnick admitted he will not try to change Pogba’s mind if he doesn’t want to stay in Manchester on a long-term basis.
Whelan suggested Rangnick will be looking to bring in “different characters” at Old Trafford.
“Paul Pogba has put himself in this position with his performances for Man United. He’s been awful for a long time now,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“There have been flashes where he’s seemed to be that quality player they spent all the money on. Bar that, he’s been quite average.
“Look, he’s not done enough to stay at Man United. If they can get some money in January, perfect.
“The changing room will be better off without him in there. They need different characters at the club now to stride forward and be successful. And Rangnick knows that.
“He’s no-nonsense – but he needs to be. He has to be brutal. You’ve got to get rid when the time is right.
“Rangnick has to break the stigma at the club about big-money signings underperforming.”
Pogba joined Man United in 2016 for a reported world-record £93.2million fee.
The midfielder has played just 890 minutes of football for the Red Devils this term.
In other news, Rangnick holds talks amid a pivotal Man United January signings update.