Paul Pogba makes Man Utd a hugely attractive club to potential signings
Manchester United are a much better team with Paul Pogba than they are without him, that much is obvious.
But his very presence at the club as a lure to prospective new signings that will in turn improve the squad and help him win the trophies he craves carries huge importance as well.
Ultimately, United’s ability to convince him that they can win trophies will be crucial to Pogba signing a new contract and keeping him happy for the duration of any such deal. But he has a major role to play in that and committing to the club will be a significant step forward.
Pogba was at his most unhappy at United in the latter half of 2018 when he appeared to fall out with a frustrated Jose Mourinho and the squad, denied real investment after finishing second in the Premier League in 2017/18, looked to be going backwards rather than forwards.
By the time he returned to full fitness during ‘Project Restart’ in the summer of 2020 after a long-term injury layoff, United were much improved thanks to the arrival of Bruno Fernandes and Pogba suddenly looked like he was enjoying being at the club again.
The Frenchman was determined to take care of unfinished business at United when he arrived back in Manchester in 2016 as the most expensive player in the world. At times over the last five years he has looked ready to give up because the club wasn’t in a position to match his ambitions.
But that situation is changing. United aren’t there just yet, but Pogba can help with that.
His status and reputation in world football is such that many players, whether they be emerging talents or more established stars, would jump at the chance to play alongside him.
That much is clear from the way that Amad Diallo has spoken about him, revealing that he was keen to join United precisely because of Pogba being at the club.
“I met him when I was a kid at that trial at Juventus. After the session, they asked me who I would like to have a photo with, and I asked for Paul. He was my idol!” Amad told ManUtd.com.
“Then, when I received the bid from United and I realised that Paul was here, I didn’t have to think twice and I wanted to come here straight away.”
United are moving towards finally securing the signing of Jadon Sancho, who is known for a long time to be keen on joining the club and linking up with existing stars in the squad. Pogba will be a draw in that, while he could be a reference point for international teammate Raphael Varane if the Real Madrid defender is to be on the move this summer and United make an offer.
Pogba isn’t alone as an attraction for other players. Bruno Fernandes is reaching that level after 18 incredible months, while Marcus Rashford is another. Sancho too could be a lure to future signings and the more the better if United are reach the level they are aiming for.
But Pogba is still the biggest draw for now and recommitting to the club that clearly means a lot to him would be a major piece of the jigsaw in getting him what he really wants.
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