Manchester United Transfer News: Paul Pogba, Ed Woodward Negotiation Rumours

Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has reportedly opened negotiations with Juventus about the signing of star midfielder Paul Pogba.

According to L’Equipe (h/t Dipesh Agarwal of Sport Witness), the Red Devils official has been in dialogue with the Italian giants about a potential €100 million (£82.82 million) move for the France international. Pogba is said to be tempted by the prospect of working under new manager Jose Mourinho, who was apparently keen on bringing the player to Chelsea last summer.

Sport Witness also noted the aforementioned report is backed up by a similar story in La Stampa, with the idea of working with Mourinho again noted as a motivating factor for the player. The report added that Pogba would have to agitate a transfer, with the Bianconeri maintaining he is not for sale.

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For United fans, the prospect of the 23-year-old returning to Old Trafford four years on from when he departed is an exciting one.

The new boss seems to want him, too. James Robson of the Manchester Evening News noted that it’s Mourinho who is driving the deal for the French forward:

That’s no surprise. While United do have a lot of options in central midfield with the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick, Pogba would be a huge upgrade on them.

And Mourinho would see attributes that are still malleable and a player who could potentially convert into a force of nature in the middle of the park. There aren’t many footballers in the game’s history who have married technical proficiency like Pogba’s with such a powerful style. It’s a blend that aligns with the blueprint the United boss has adhered to throughout his career.

Already, Pogba has shown he can influence games at the highest level, too. According to WhoScored.com, the Juventus midfielder was the best player in the Italian top flight last term, as the Bianconeri coasted to their fifth title in succession:

After achieving so much with the Italian side and aiding them in becoming the division’s dominant force, the player himself may see this summer as an ideal time to embark on a new phase in his career.

A return to United, where he was never quite able to cut it under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, would almost be cathartic for Pogba, too.

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Additionally, his skill set is tailor-made for the Premier League. In a division that centres on energetic and incisive play, the Frenchman has the physicality to cope in what are often frenetic midfield battles. From that foundation, his style on the ball could see him dominate matches.

Football journalist Liam Canning thinks a move for Pogba would benefit United beyond his performance on the pitch:

Indeed, it would be a deal that would make plenty across the continent sit up and take notice. It’s a statement United need to make, too, especially after failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last term.

If Pogba comes, it would embolden everyone tied to the Old Trafford outfit and those targets who may be on the fence about a move to United.

Mourinho would have to work hard with the player if Juventus were to sell. Pogba does have a penchant for overcomplicating things at times, not to mention a habit for clinging to possession for too long. But he’s already a world-class talent, and with the fine-tuning the Portuguese would inevitably oversee, he is potentially one of the the game’s very best.