It's that part of the year where the scouts come in play and agents look for suitable destinations for their clients. In every transfer window, there are some top names making the headlines over the course of these two months time. And this time, Eden Hazard, Matthijs de Light, and Paul Pogba were those names. With Eden Hazard already securing his dream move to Real Madrid and de Ligt proposed a move to Juventus resting in the final stages, it is the Frenchman who has been gathering much attention over his tentative move away from Manchester United. Currently, on vacation, the midfielder was recorded saying that he would love to get a "new challenge". And thus indicating that his return to his boyhood club may come to an end after just three years.
Pogba was part of a United side that saw its worst run since David Moyes's reign in 2013. But on an individual level, Pogba was bang on the goals, scoring 13 and assisting a further nine in 35 Premier League appearances. He was in sparkling form in some games but went missing in others. And the 26-year-old World Cup winner is being linked to Juventus and Real Madrid. United will not block a potential move if their valuation of €150 million is met. Here are some aspects which may define this transfer saga over the coming days and weeks:
United have too many loopholes to deal with: While their "noisy neighbours" are winning trophies over trophies, Manchester United have lost their way over the years. A look at their squads and you will see the difference for sure. The backline consists of below average defenders like Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. Quite honestly, Ashley Young is well over his prime and a liability to the team. And with Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini gone, coupled with aging Nemanja Matic, there is a lot of work to be done in this department. Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku looked clumsy on too many occasions last season. There is a lot of direction for blame, with a lot already going to Pogba himself. You could question his consistency over the games, but he has done relatively well in a squad which is below average for sure. He had his best season in terms of goals and was lively up front too. He is a world class player and certainly needs to be in a better team to unleash his full potential. You see him in a France shirt and wonder if he is the same Paul Pogba, the United number 6.
Juve return most probable: Whatever you call it, a Mino Riola cheap publicity stunt or speaking his heart out, Pogba is not happy at United for certain. And is thus, being linked to the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus. Real Madrid has already spent a lot in this transfer season as they prepare for the next generation of Galacticos. With the signings of Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Eder Militao, Rodrigo Goes and Ferland Mendy; the Los Blancos have already spent a total of over €300 million pounds in these transfers. Even after the mutual admiration between Zinedine Zidane and Paul Pogba for each other, a deal looks highly unlikely. And Juventus are the frontrunners in this chase of the midfielder. Juventus were knocked out in the quarterfinals of the UCL even after winning the first leg in Amsterdam. And an immediate need was felt of some dynamism in the middle of the park. Blaise Matuidi is certainly more defensive minded and adds to that an aging Sami Khedira, Juventus relied heavily on the shoulders of Mizalem Pjanic. So Old Lady is certainly looking for options to improve their midfield and have their eyes set on their former star. After United rejected any advances from PSG, Juventus look to be the most probable destination for Paul Pogba.
United are actually better without him: Paul Pogba was bought in for huge money and inherently demanded huge influence in the team. The burden was actually too much for a 23-year-old and it became evident over the past two-three seasons. Yes, he was effective but selling him at least offers the chance for a rebuild, to set a new identity. It is an opportunity if seen that way. The squad has different players, with different career profiles, all signed by different managers to do different jobs. A complete overhaul is required at the club. Bruno Fernandes and Adrien Rabiot are both being pursued by United. Ole has to figure out who wants to play for the club and proudly wear that badge on his chest. Yes, in the bigger picture, United are better without him.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has an extremely difficult job at his hands. Will he be able to play it the "United Way"?
