Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Could Offer Paul Pogba Man Utd Captaincy to Convince Star to Stay

21 May 2019 13:47

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been tipped to offer the vacant club captaincy to midfielder Paul Pogba in a bid to persuade him to stay at Old Trafford this summer and drop his reported interest in joining Real Madrid.


Despite a brief two-month window during which United were the Premier League's form team, a dreadful end to the 2018/19 campaign has brought about the return of speculation over Pogba's future that had hung over the club during Jose Mourinho's final weeks in charge.

But with Solskjaer keen to rebuild a squad capable of challenging for trophies in the next few years, a report from ESPN claims the United boss considers Pogba a potential successor to departing skipper Antonio Valencia and doesn't see current deputy Ashley Young as a solution.

The story suggests that Pogba is 'one of the names in the frame' and that Solskjaer is holding onto hope that 'more responsibility' for the 26-year-old 'will help end speculation over his future'.

Having emerged as an influential figure in France's World Cup wining team, Pogba was made United vice-captain by Mourinho last summer. However, he was stripped of the role just a couple of months into the season after falling out with the boss and being temporarily benched.

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ESPN notes that sources have revealed to them that United are insistent that Pogba 'will not be sold' this summer. The Daily Star, however, quotes a rather questionable report from Italy to claim that United will ask for €160m (£138m) from potential buyers.

Pogba, who led United in goals (16) and assists (11) this season, as well as being the only non-Liverpool or Manchester City player named in PFA Team of the Year, remains under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2021, with the option for the club to extend to 2022.

Source: 90min