Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United not to sell Paul Pogba.With speculation about the France midfielder’s future once again rife amid reports of interest from Barcelona, former United defender Ferdinand has told executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to keep the 25-year-old.
Manager Jose Mourinho has already predicted a “difficult season” if United do not do more business, so losing a World Cup-winning midfielder would only add to that.
As a result, Ferdinand – who made over 450 appearance for United – wants Pogba to stay and Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld to come in.
Referencing reports that Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, is looking at the Nou Camp as a possible new home for his player, Ferdinand said: “Don’t you dare allow this ED… #MUFC is Pogba’s home!! Silence these rumours ASAP & get @AlderweireldTob through the door.”
That last part really should happen. United start their Premier League campaign on Friday at Leicester and, speaking on Sunday, Mourinho told MUTV: “My CEO knows what I want and I still have a few days to wait and see what happens.
“The other clubs who compete with us are really strong and already have fantastic teams. Or they are investing massively like Liverpool, who are buying everything and everybody.”
Paul Pogba has returned to Manchester United’s training ground following his World Cup winning campaign with France.
The France international midfielder, who was absent for United’s tour of the USA, was pictured embracing team-mate Eric Bailly on the centre-back’s Instagram story on Monday.
Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola, according to reports, has travelled to Manchester in an effort to force through a move to Spanish champions Barcelona before the transfer window closes.
Juventus have also been linked to their former player, with reports saying they could offer play-maker Miralem Pjanic in part-exchange.
Speaking ahead of the World Cup, Pogba admitted to having “small issues” with United boss Jose Mourinho last season.
Mourinho, who demanded more consistency from Pogba during the previous campaign, believes the World Cup was the “perfect habitat” for the midfielder and has challenged him to give the “best he has” for United this term.United signed Pogba for a then-world record £93.25m fee in 2016 and he has three years remaining on his current Old Trafford deal.
Manchester United have rejected an offer for Paul Pogba from Barcelona of £45m plus Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes, according to sources in Italy.
The news follows earlier reports suggesting Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola had travelled to Manchester in an attempt to force through a move to the Spanish champions for the French midfielder.
But United apparently have no desire to part with Pogba, who has just returned to training after winning the World Cup with France.
The 25-year-old signed for United in 2016 – for a then-world record £93.25m – and has three years left on his contract.
Even if United had been minded to sell, the Premier League transfer deadline is on Thursday, giving them just two days to secure a high-profile replacement.
The Spanish window does not close until August 31, meaning Barcelona have until the end of the month to try and sign Pogba in this window.
And Barca may have been hoping that the inclusion of Mina in their offer might induce United to make a deal.
The Old Trafford club have reportedly been in the market for a centre-back this summer and have been linked with several players, including Mina, a 23-year-old Colombia international and Leicester defender Harry Maguire.
Gomes is a Portugal midfielder with 29 caps who has been linked with a move to West Ham.
He moved to Barcelona from Valencia in 2016 but has failed to secure a regular starting berth.Pogba is unlikely to be fit for United’s Premier League opener against Leicester on Friday.