Red devils Talisman Paul Pogba is reportedly in line to become Manchester United ‘s new captain. United skipper Antonio Valencia looks set to leave Old Trafford this summer after 10 years at the club. The 33-year-old was given the armband by Jose Mourinho in the summer, but has managed just eight appearances this season – and a calf complaint has been partly behind why he has made just one start under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Mirror
Valencia hinted late on Friday evening that he is set to exit the club – and Pogba has emerged as the No.1 candidate to replace him as United captain, according to The Sun. Mourinho took the vice-captaincy off the French midfielder but he has enjoyed a stunning change in fortunes since Solskjaer’s arrival. Pogba has been a regular and chipped in with nine goals as the Red Devils have reignited their top four hopes.
His future at Old Trafford looked to be in serious doubt before Mourinho’s departure but it is claimed Solskjaer is ready to hand him the captaincy in the summer. Valencia is believed to have returned to Ecuador as he recovers from his latest injury issue and expects to leave the club after a decade of service. Valencia’s contract expires at the end of the season and it is understood the club had until 5pm on Friday to trigger the one-year extension clause built into his deal. Valencia wrote on Twitter : “Lago Agrio is a very humble town in Ecuador. When I was a child, I never imagined travel to Europe. Thanks to God for letting me play 10 years in the best club in the world: @ManUtd. “Now I am focused on my recovery so I can end the season playing at Old Trafford!”
So, it’s pretty clear Solskjaer is having an input of some sort. He has his views on what direction the club should take going forward, especially when it comes to matters on the pitch, and this is yet another indication that he will be United manager beyond this season. Asked by a reporter if he had told executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward which players he feels should stay or go, Solskjaer said: “Yes, I have. We’ve been discussing the future of the club – we did that before the talk of ‘if I should stay or not’”, as quoted by Sky Sports.