Report: Pogba Convinced Manchester United He Was Committed Before Transfer Push

Paul Pogba's apparent desire to "have a new challenge" may have come as news to Manchester United after the midfielder reportedly "convinced" manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer he was committed to staying at Old Trafford.

The London Evening Standard's James Robson has reported how Solskjaer "has been left red-faced after Pogba began the process of trying to secure a move" to Real Madrid: "Solskjaer held talks with the France international amid interest from Real manager Zinedine Zidane to determine his commitment to Old Trafford. And he was left in the belief Pogba was intent on winning trophies at United and be central to this summer's rebuild."

Pogba recently talked up a desire to move on, saying "it could be a good time" to seek pastures new, per David Hytner and Sid Lowe of the Guardian.

Robson also noted how Pogba's exit talk, given during a visit to Japan for promotional purposes, may have already wrecked United's summer plans. He dubbed handing Pogba a new deal as being "among United's priorities."

Daily Mail writers Chris Wheeler and Sami Mokbel detailed the bumper offer United are considering making:

The desire to hand Pogba fresh terms stemmed from the belief the mercurial France international had regained his swagger following the decision to replace Jose Mourinho with Solskjaer in the dugout in December.

It's not an unreasonable assumption for the Red Devils to have made given how well Pogba played during Solskjaer's initial time in charge. His pace, power, vision and scoring touch formed the catalyst for a lengthy winning run.

However, things soon turned sour as United struggled mightily during the run-in, eventually finishing sixth in the Premier League. It means no UEFA Champions League football for Pogba next season unless he moves on.

He hasn't got a shortage of suitors, with former club Juventus as keen as Real:

While Solskjaer "will feel personally let down" by the player, according to Robson, United wouldn't find replacing Pogba's influence easy:

However, those numbers don't tell the full story for a player who can veer between sublime and anonymous during a season. There has long been a feeling United have a right to expect more from a player who cost them a then-world record initial fee of £89 million in 2016.

In Pogba's defence, the talent around him hasn't always been up to par. It might not change based on the transfer approach the Reds appear set to take this summer:

If Pogba is determined to surround himself with better, United would be wise to indulge him. It would make more sense than paying £500,000 per week to a player who remains frustratingly erratic despite his obvious talent.

Pogba's departure would be felt, but it may also encourage more proactive performances from United's other midfielders. Among them, Fred has proved he can be a creative influence despite a tough first season in England:

Fred would have support if Spaniard Juan Mata is retained, a likely scenario according to ESPN FC's Rob Dawson, who has reported the 31-year-old is in line for a new contract.

United have the depth to encourage a bidding war for Pogba. Another option would be to use the gifted 26-year-old as a makeweight for more reinforcements.

Robson views the latter to avoid some damaging recent history the last time United sold an attacking talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009, to Real Madrid:

Letting Pogba leave creates more options for a club in rebuild mode than forcing him to stay.