3 Reasons why it is time for Manchester United to finally sell Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba’s future continues to rule the headlines as the midfielder tries to make his way back from injury. There are reports surfacing that the Frenchman is targeting the Manchester Derby on 8th March of this year to return to action, but United fans are already divided in their opinion of Pogba. The widespread belief is that the Frenchman would finally depart Old Trafford this summer and few supporters would be sad to see him leave.

While there’s no denying that Pogba is the most talented midfielder at Old Trafford right now, the complications that continue to surround him make him a controversial figure. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was desperate to centre his rebuilding of Manchester United around the Frenchman, but that has not happened so far.

On the other hand, Mino Raiola, the player’s agent, shows no signs of backing down from his habit of drawing controversies. His recent comments that Juventus is like a “second home” for Pogba might be another strategy by the Super agent to secure a summer move away from United for his client.

As such, Manchester United might be better advised to finally sell Pogba this summer and here are 3 reasons why.

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#3 Pogba lacks the motivation to play for United

Pogba reportedly feels that he deserves better than Manchester United

In the summer, Pogba sent the rumour mill into overdrive when he expressed his desire for a new challenge. It was expected that the Frenchman would be on the move before the end of the transfer window, with Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane openly courting him.

Pogba had also expressed a desire to play under the Real Madrid manager, and the world waited in anticipation for another blockbuster transfer saga. Unfortunately, a move never materialized and Pogba continued to be a United player.

Since then, the Frenchman has made just 8 appearances for the Red Devils, out of which 6 have been starts. Pogba is not expected to be back until the start of March and there are quite a few signs that the player is no longer motivated enough to play for Manchester United.

When he joined the Red Devils, the Frenchman was supposed to kickstart a renaissance at Old Trafford. Unfortunately, it was not to be. He will look back at the Carabao Cup win and the UEFA Europa League triumph in his first season as the highlight of his second stint at the Premier League giants. The Frenchman apparently feels that he deserves better than Manchester United. As such, it might not wise to hold on to him any longer now.

#2 Contract set to run out in 2021

Pogba turns 27 next month and will be out of contract next summer

The Frenchman will turn 27 next month and is inching closer to the final year of his current contract. Pogba is tied to United until the summer of 2021, but the Red Devils do have the option of an additional year. As of now, there are no indications that Pogba might be willing to extend his stay with United, which means that the time is ripe for United to consider cashing in on him.

The fact that the Frenchman will cost an exorbitant amount of money, plus his extravagant salary means that Pogba has very few suitors genuinely interested in him. However, Real Madrid continue to be long-term admirers and do have the capacity to afford him. There’s also the talk of a return to Turin and Juventus remain interested in a reunion in Italy. If United refrain from parting with the Frenchman this summer though, things could turn from bad to worse.

Pogba would then venture into the final year of his contract and even with the one-year extension, United would lose bargaining power in any negotiations. The Red Devils could even risk losing him for free by the summer of 2022 by not acting right now.

#1 His departure could help finance summer transfer activity

Pogba's departure could help fund the arrival of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund

This season has been an eye-opener for Manchester United. With their midfield talisman sidelined for more than half of the season, Solskjaer struggled to field a team with the consistency required to perform at the highest level.

It was a clear indication that the rebuilding exercise was far from complete at Old Trafford and that United needed more reinforcements from the transfer market. However, as the Bruno Fernandes saga clearly proved, good players cost money and world-class players cost a fortune.

This is why United need to try and ensure that they receive fair value for Pogba this summer. A proper No. 10, a striker and a right-winger are desperately needed before the start of next season, while United might also require a defensive midfielder depending on Nemanja Matic’s future.

None of them will come cheap, especially since United have targeted young and talented footballers who can form the backbone of future teams.

The money from Pogba’s sell could be reinvested in the market and that is the main reason why United should let go of the Frenchman this summer.