Paul Pogba's United deal is due to expire in the summer of 2022, leaving both United and Pogba with a decision to make this summer. If United and Pogba are unable to reach an agreement on a new contract, the Frenchman will opt to move this summer or leave for free at the end of next season.
Paul Pogba has had his set of problems in the dressing room with Mourinho, struggling with form in the middle, only to come back after a few days. The story somewhat changed after Ole joined Manchester United. He became one of the most influential players in the market with some papers taking it up a notch by comparing him to influential players among the top 5 players of Europe, only for him to come among the top ones. As a result, Pogba is certainly a key figure in Solskjaer's attempt to return United to their trophy-winning glory days. This also means he's not someone Solskjaer might want to lose this summer or the following.
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What will it take for Pogba to sign a new contract?
What is needed, according to some, is a concrete plan and strategy from Solskjaer about how the club can accomplish things in both the domestic and European leagues. There's no denying that Pogba is at his strongest when he's given the freedom to push forward throughout games and create big chances in the final third. As a result, signing a proper centre defensive midfielder may be a crucial factor in persuading the Frenchman to stay.
Pogba will then be granted even more space on the field, knowing that he has a strong and reliable holding player behind him. Not only would this benefit Pogba, but it will also benefit the rest of the squad.
What happens if Pogba does not sign a new contract?
Pogba could alternatively decide to run down his contract at United and then leave as a free agent at the end of the next season. This could be disastrous for United, as the club paid the fee of 105 million for his move in 2016, and the Frenchman's valuation is still between 54 and 73 million. As a result, if he leaves as a free agent in the summer of 2022, United will lose a significant amount of revenue.
Fans may be ecstatic at the prospect of keeping Pogba for one more season instead of losing him a year earlier. Pogba, on the other hand, will be looking for a move in his final year, which means he will not be able to play at his best. For example, the Frenchman can avoid high-risk tackles out of fear of injuring himself and lowering his value in the summer. Furthermore, his agent Mino Raiola is known to cause a hard time for Manchester United driving hard bargains and selfish deals with the club. He might cause issues over the summer as well.
However things unfold, there's no denying that the 28-year-old is a powerful figure on the ground as well as among his teammates, so United's DNA and his love for the club might be enough to keep control of arguably Europe's best midfielder.
