Paul Pogba's mind may have been changed on his Manchester United future, after the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to the Premier League.
Pogba's contract at United expires at the end of the current season and so far there's been no signs that he will sign a new deal at the club.
Advert
That means the current league leaders face the prospect of losing the midfielder for nothing for a second time in his career, and he can even start negotiating for a move away from England in January.
In the summer there were rumours that both PSG and Real Madrid were lining up moves for the former Juventus midfielder, but both seem more content to get him for nothing next year.
However, that might not be an option in the end. According to the Athletic, Pogba is now 'leaning towards staying,' thanks to the signing of Ronaldo on transfer deadline day.
They claim that the move has had a 'profound' effect on the 28-year-old and that it has led to him going away from what seemed like an inevitable move.
There is still no movement on a new deal but United are expected to go back to the negotiating table before January, in an attempt to stop other clubs talking to their player.
Advert
Pogba's future will ultimately come down to whether he believes they can be successful or not, and the signing of Ronaldo could certainly make a big difference.
The 36-year-old's return to action for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team, which was made even better by Peter Drury's commentary, saw him score two goals, that both put United ahead against Newcastle United.
However Pogba's form could be just as important to Solskjaer finally winning his first trophy in charge of the club he used to play for.
The midfielder hasn't always shown his best form for United, since moving back in 2016 for a then world record fee, but he has an impressive seven assists in just four games so far this season.
Advert
Four of those came in the opening weekend, in the 5-1 win over Leeds United, but that apparently is expected of the former Juve man every time he steps on the pitch.
Monday's report on Pogba's future does say that United have made plans for their midfield going forward, with different ones for if he stays or leaves.
One player possibly hoping he goes is Donny van de Beek, with the Dutchman still not getting the football he would have wanted after joining from Ajax a year ago.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Premier League, Manchester United, Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Transfers