By Oyinlola Awonuga (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment, Fashion and Sports Desk)
Manchester United star, Paul Pogba is reportedly on the verge of signing a new five-year deal at the club completing an incredible turnaround for him from 12 months ago.
Last summer, Pogba was set on leaving United, with former club Juventus and Real Madrid showing interest.
But according to reports, after working his way back to full fitness and impressing alongside Bruno Fernandes in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s midfield post-lockdown, the 27-year-old will sign a fresh extension at Old Trafford – with the news expected to be announced at the end of the season.
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The report details that United manager Solskjaer is starting to plan with Pogba firmly in his plans for the future.
With Pogba’s current deal set to expire next year – though United have the option of extending for another 12 months – a new contract until 2025 would represent a long-term commitment from both club and player.
Aside from a mistake which led to Southampton’s first goal in the 2-2 draw on Monday night, Pogba has been one of United’s standout performers since the Premier League restarted on June 17.
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After playing just twice since September due to a number of ankle injuries pre-lockdown, the three-month break has rejuvenated the midfielder, signed for £89million from Juventus in 2016.
He came off the bench and won a penalty in United’s first game back, a 1-1 draw away to Tottenham, registered an assist in a 3-0 win against Brighton and scored in the win versus Aston Villa last week by the same scoreline.
Most notably, however, playing alongside January acquisition Bruno Fernandes seems to have motivated Pogba to get playing back to somewhere near his best form.
On Pogba’s form and the potential of him being rested for the trip to Crystal Palace on Thursday, Solskjaer said: “I’ve been speaking more or less every day with Paul. He knows he wouldn’t be dropped.
“When Paul plays like this, he wouldn’t be dropped from any team in the world — France or Manchester United — but he’s been out for a long, long time.
“There was a question mark before the game against Southampton but he felt ready for it, which was great, so now let’s see how he is.
“He’s been fantastic since the restart and brought a lot to the team,” Solskjaer said.
