Paul Pogba’s latest public show of unrest has been met with a stubborn response from Manchester United - who insist he is not for sale.
The French international’s failure to rule out an imminent move, when interviewed on German TV this week, has raised fresh doubts over his future.
And there is growing concern that links with Barcelona and Juventus - plus Pep Guardiola’s claim that Manchester City were sounded out by agent Mino Raiola in January - are indicative of an ‘anywhere but here’ attitude from the club’s record signing.
But United’s hierarchy, who refused to countenance a move to Barca in the summer, are adamant they will not alter their stance even in the face of Pogba’s increasing indiscretion amid tension with Jose Mourinho.
Most worrying for United will be the £89m midfielder’s apparent intent to keep the focus on his situation at Old Trafford.
Speaking to Sky Sports Germany this week, he said: “My future is currently in Manchester, I still have a contract. I am playing there at the moment, but who knows what will happen in the next few months.”
It followed his assertion that he would be fined if he revealed his true feelings, when speaking to reporters after being named captain for United’s opening game of the season against Leicester.
Mourinho had also hailed Pogba’s ‘monster’ performance in that match.
It was notable, too, that Pogba’s latest comments came amid suggestions he had held clear-the-air talks with United’s manager.
His subsequent claim that “We have a coach-player relationship, it’s like that,” felt pointed.
With Raiola also happy to go public with his own feelings - mischievously suggesting United legend Paul Scholes “should become sports director and advise (Ed) Woodward to sell Pogba” - it has ensured an unhelpful distraction to what has been a troubled start to the season for Mourinho.
While Mourinho could be accused of adding to tensions with his own pointed remarks in relation to the player’s outstanding performances at the World Cup - he has made very clear attempts to smooth relations between the pair.
After claiming Pogba had to “understand why he was so good” during the summer, he has praised his attitude and physical condition since returning to United.
Despite missing a penalty with a nonchalant run up against Burnley on Sunday, Mourinho insisted the 25-year-old would be allowed to remain on spot kick duties.
He did, however, resist the opportunity to publicly defend Pogba when asked to respond to pundit Graeme Souness’ scathing criticism over the weekend.
The former Liverpool midfielder claimed Pogba was only in the team to maintain his price tag.
Mourinho responded: “I am not going to comment, because if I comment, I have to comment on so many things.”
Even still, Pogba’s willingness to place his future in doubt yet again, felt unnecessary.
That was underlined by weight of reaction from United supporters on social media, who roundly criticised his comments.
Bizarrely Pogba responded by telling reporters after France’s goalless draw with Germany on Thursday: “Rumours are rumours, but it’s not me who is talking.
“I’m just trying to do my job. For the rest there will always be talk.”
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