Report: Paul Pogba Not to Be Sold by Manchester United Amid Jose Mourinho Plan

Manchester United have reportedly decided not to sell Paul Pogba this summer, with manager Jose Mourinho devising a plan to bring out the best in him next season.

According to Duncan Castles for Yahoo Sports, Mourinho wants next term to be the best season of Pogba's career and believes the Frenchman must apply himself more having been poor in training of late as well as on the pitch.

A source told Castles: "Jose likes the player, but the player does not have his head in football. Pogba is not focused on football, he has his head in music, in hairstyles, in shoes."

The midfielder is known for his elaborate hairstyles:

However, he is coming under increasing scrutiny at Old Trafford because of some subpar performances, and the frequency of his haircuts appears to have increased the perception that he has lacked focus.

He has certainly not been playing at the high standard he is capable of at any rate. 

Football writer Liam Canning was critical of his showing as United crashed out of the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Sevilla:

The 25-year-old started the season well but was soon absent for two months with a hamstring injury, and since his return, he has only been able to show flashes of his ability.

In total, Pogba has produced three goals and 10 assists in all competitions this year, so he has some way to improve if he's to surpass his best campaign at Juventus, in which he bagged 10 and 16, respectively.

The midfielder offered an encouraging sign on Tuesday as he contributed a goal and an assist for France in a 3-1 friendly win against Russia, having scored a sublime free-kick and slipped through Kylian Mbappe for one of his two goals.

ESPN FC's analysts noted the contrast in his performance for Les Bleus and the Red Devils:

United blogger Hesham Bilal-Hafiz believes Mourinho's approach is responsible for the player's struggles at Old Trafford:

While Pogba must bear some responsibility for his own performances, United are rarely set up in a manner that would allow him to shine.

Considering the player cost £89 million, the team should be built around him to an extent. He would be a costly asset to write off, so it makes sense to try to get the best out of him.

Mourinho intends to do just that, it seems, but he'll need the right personnel around Pogba and the right tactics to ease the pressure on his shoulders and give him the freedom to shine if he is to live up to his potential next season.