Paul Pogba’s decision to leave Manchester United was one that angered some fans and delighted other; however it has now been revealed that he may not have been the one to make that decision at all.
Erik ten Hag, in his first meeting with Manchester United, vetoed the opportunity to extend Paul Pogba’s contract and instructed the club to sign Frenkie De Jong.
That’s according to journalist Bruno Alemany, from Cadena SER. Paul Pogba, who looks set to return to Juventus according to the latest reports, is believed to have been offered the chance of a renewal before Ten Hag decided to veto that plan and let the Frenchman leave on a free again, just like he did in 2012.
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The irony of this is that Pogba was signed to almost spearhead Manchester United into a new era, yet he is now heading for the exit after an ill fated 6 years in Manchester with Frenkie De Jong now earmarked as the face of yet another rebuild at Old Trafford.
The decision makers will be hoping this transfer chase is a bit more successful.
Pogba, who has dazzled in fleeting moments but has also failed to deliver when United needed him the most, looks set to depart with a whimper – after the fanfare and bravado the £89 million man bought made it an almost impossibility for him to fail.
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Well, he has, apart from his first season back in English football where he won the Europa League and League Cup. Since then his time has failed to inspire, leaving United fans with more questions than answers.
Whether Frenkie de Jong can be more successful than the outgoing Frenchman remains to be seen. No matter what, if Erik ten Hag is able to bring in his number one target, it would represent a real statement of intent from United.
This impending transfer would also represent a real coup for the incoming manager as his top target would be signed, sealed and delivered before a ball has been kicked. Previous managers haven’t had that luxury in the past at Old Trafford.
The deal to take the Dutchman to the Premier League isn’t completed yet with the latest report stating that United are planning an improved offer after their latest bid was rejected but will not be held to ransom over the 25-year-old.
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Barcelona’s financial issues means a deal for the Dutch midfielder is very much a possibility and according to reports, United don’t want to overpay for a player who the Catalan club do not want and who has failed to light up the Nou Camp since his mega money move from Ajax.
The parallels between De Jong and Pogba remain, Ten Hag will be hoping for a different outcome for his top transfer target this summer.
Erik ten Hag will take on his first match as Manchester United in a pre-season friendly against Liverpool in Bangkok, before flying to Australia to face three other sides and jetting off to Norway to play Atletico Madrid in Oslo.
The club will finish their tour against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on the 31st July, ahead of the opening weekend of the Premier League season on the 6-7th August.
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Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Frenkie De Jong, Paul Pogba, Transfers, Football