Solskjaer drops Paul Pogba hint and confirms Manchester United stance on striker signing

  Paul Pogba is out of contract at Man Utd next summer and has been linked with a transfer away from Old Trafford for the previous two years...

 

Paul Pogba is out of contract at Man Utd next summer and has been linked with a transfer away from Old Trafford for the previous two years.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Manchester United that they must keep hold of their best players, including Paul Pogba, if they are to challenge for major trophies.

Pogba's contract expires next summer, when he could leave on a free transfer, and that could tempt the club to cash in on the 28-year-old during this transfer window.

Pogba revealed he wanted to leave Old Trafford in 2019 but so far the club have held firm in selling him. His value has decreased as his contract has got closer to expiring and there are no obvious suitors for the Frenchman this summer, with many of Europe's top clubs still struggling financially during the pandemic.

In the second half of this season Pogba emerged as a key player for Solskjaer, often playing on the left-wing, and he was one of United's best performers in 2021.

Paul Pogba's Manchester United future is still uncertain

The World Cup winner could be integral to United challenging for the Premier League title next season and Solskjaer has revealed he's told the club what he wants to happen, but he isn't party to the talks between Pogba and club chiefs.

"We want the best players here, and the club knows what I want. I do not know how the dialogue goes, but if we are to fight for the best trophies, we must have the best players," Solskjaer told Norwegian broadcaster TV2.

Rather than outgoings, Solskjaer is focused on strengthening his squad this summer, with centre back and right-wing his top priorities.

Edinson Cavani signed an extension to his contract to remain at United for next season, but Solskjaer has also revealed the club could be in the market for another striker to challenge him.

"It was very important, because we have not seen close to his best yet. He came here in October and had not played football in seven months," said Solskjaer.

"It takes time to get in shape, even if he takes care of himself. He got some injuries and little things that bothered him, and it is only recently that we have begun to see some of the best of him. When he gets this experience and a run-up, he will be better than this year, despite the fact that he is getting older.

"I am very happy that it has happened, but that does not mean that we are not looking for someone who can challenge or learn from him."