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Paul Pogba’s demand to Man Utd teammates after semi-final loss to Man City

Paul Pogba’s demand to Man Utd teammates after semi-final loss to Man City
Paul Pogba’s demand to Man Utd teammates after semi-final loss to Man City

Paul Pogba has called on his Manchester United teammates to learn from their mistakes when it comes to getting to finals.

United missed out on the chance to face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup final after losing 2-0 to neighbours Manchester City at Old Trafford in Wednesday’s semi-final.

It was the fourth time in a row Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have fallen at the semi-final stage, with Pogba admitting they must learn how to take the next step if they want to win trophies.

“It’s very annoying to lose, because there’s a trophy behind all of this,” said Pogba.

“We have to do better, we have to do better for sure. We have to learn, because it’s not the first time.

“It’s about details. Details make the difference all of the time and now when it’s big games like this, it’s details and at set-pieces we lost.

United were beaten 2-0 by City

“We have to learn, we have to get through this because, after this, there are big games coming up.

“Next time, we will do better.”

United host Watford in the FA Cup tomorrow and then travel to Burnley in the Premier League on Tuesday.

A win or draw at Turf Moor will see United go above arch rivals Liverpool at the top of the table, before their trip to Anfield a week on Sunday.

“There’s no time to be disappointed for a week, because we know where we are,” said Pogba.

“We’re in a good position now. We will get through this and we will go again.

Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba of Manchester United walk off after the defeat
Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba of Manchester United walk off after the defeat

“It’s difficult and it’s going to be difficult, and you learn from these games. It’s going to hopefully help us to get through, to get better and have a positive result in the next games.

“That’s all we want. That’s what the fans want, that’s what the team wants, everyone wants this.

“The club is built on winning and big things, so that’s all we want to get – the big stuff.

“We’re improving. Last year they were obviously more dominant and they dominated us. Today that wasn’t the case so obviously we’re improving.

“We’re improving in the league and, even though we lost the semi-final, we’re still going far and that’s what we want.

“But now it’s about details. It is good to improve but we have to go to the next step now, all of us.”

Donny Van De Beek was only a late substitute again
Donny Van De Beek was only a late substitute again

United midfielder Donny van de Beek has been warned he may have to leave this month to safeguard his Holland place for Euro 2020 this summer.

Van be Beek, a £40million signing from Ajax last summer, has started just one of United’s last nine games in all competitions.

Ronald De Boer, twin brother of Holland coach Frank, said the midfielder may have to consider his future to be sure of making the Dutch squad.

“The European Championship is coming, he will undoubtedly want to be there,” said Ronald.

“Maybe it would be good for him to discuss with the club exactly what they want with him.

“If the view on playing time does not improve, he may have to declare that he should be loaned or even sold.”

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Paul Pogba explains where Man Utd went wrong in Man City defeat

Paul Pogba explains where Man Utd went wrong in Man City defeat
Paul Pogba explains where Man Utd went wrong in Man City defeat

Paul Pogba believes Manchester United need to improve on the ‘small details’ after the Red Devils were beaten 2-0 by rivals Manchester City in their Carabao Cup semi-final clash.

Goals from John Stones and Fernandinho earned City a spot in the final for the fourth year in a row, with United losing their fourth semi-final in the past year.

Speaking after the game, Pogba admitted United ‘lost’ at set-pieces but insisted they will learn from the defeat.

“It is disappointing because it is not the first one against City at home,” he told MUTV. “We are disappointed with the result, obviously, with the two goals from set-pieces.

Manchester United star Paul Pogba has insisted the side will improve after their Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City

“It is very annoying to lose because there is a trophy behind all of this. We have to do better, we have to do better for sure.

“It is about details. Details make the difference all of the time and now when it is big games like this, it is details and at set-pieces we lost. We have to learn because it is not the first time.

“We have to learn, we have to get through this because, after this, there are big games coming up. Next time, we will do better, we will do better.”

United were beaten 2-0 by City at Old Trafford

United are back in action on Saturday when they get their FA Cup campaign under way with a third round tie against Championship side Watford.

“There is no time to be disappointed for a week because we know where we are,” Pogba added. “We are in a good position now. We don’t have time to be disappointed. We don’t have the time. We will get through this and we will go again.

“It is difficult and it is going to be difficult, and you learn from these games. It is going to hopefully help us to get through, to get better and to have a positive result in the next games.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is yet to reach a final as manager of Man Utd
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is yet to reach a final as manager of Man Utd

“Football and playing for Man United is not easy, it will never be easy, but it makes the victory prettier and more beautiful when we get through a tough time, then we get through this.

“It is beautiful and you get the emotion. That is all we want. That is what the fan wants, that is what the team wants, everyone wants this.

“The club is built on winning and big things, so that is all we want to get – the big stuff.”

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Moment Sir Alex Ferguson decided to allow Paul Pogba to leave Man Utd pinpointed

Moment Sir Alex Ferguson decided to allow Paul Pogba to leave Man Utd pinpointed
Moment Sir Alex Ferguson decided to allow Paul Pogba to leave Man Utd pinpointed

When it comes to Paul Pogba, there is rarely a dull moment.

The Manchester United midfielder’s talent has never been called into question, but off-field controversy never seems very far away.

A large part of that, some would argue, is due to the Frenchman’s notorious agent Mino Raiola.

Raiola has never been shy of voicing his opinions, and has regularly spoken to the press about exactly what he wants for his clients.

Pogba first joined United in 2009 at the age of just 16, making three senior appearances in the 2011-12 season.

Paul Pogba’s first spell at Manchester United ended in 2012

But after failing to agree a new contract he left for Juventus that summer, with United’s legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitting he was disappointed, but accusing Pogba of “not showing respect.”

Former Italian striker Antonio Cassano recently spoke to Bobo TV to give his opinion on Pogba, and gave some inside information about exactly what happened between Pogba, Raiola and Ferguson that summer.

“I know that when he (Pogba) still had to make his debut with Manchester United, Mino Raiola went to Ferguson asking him for a lot of money to get him to sign the contract,” he said.

Sir Alex Ferguson was far from impressed with Pogba and Mino Raiola

“Ferguson asked the agent if he knew what kind of player Pogba was, and Raiola replied by saying no. He cared little, those were their requests and if they were not met they would go away.

“Without batting an eye, Ferguson ruled that Pogba could also go away.”

Ferguson has regularly expressed his dislike of Raiola in the past, allegedly describing him as a “s*** bag.”

Raiola is not shy of speaking to the press about his clients

And current United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has also experienced his issues with the super-agent, with Raiola claiming last month that Pogba again wants to leave United.

What happens this summer remains to be seen, but it if Solskjaer chooses to take the Ferguson route it could well mean the end of Pogba’ second spell at Old Trafford.

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Ferdinand details Grealish talks and “not caring” about Pogba Man Utd exit

Ferdinand details Grealish talks and “not caring” about Pogba Man Utd exit
Ferdinand details Grealish talks and “not caring” about Pogba Man Utd exit

Rio Ferdinand says he isn’t bothered about Paul Pogba potentially leaving Manchester United as long as “his man” Jack Grealish moves to Old Trafford.

Pogba is seemingly heading for the United exit door for the second time in his career following comments from his agent Mino Raiola in December.

The France World Cup winner will have one year remaining on his contract at the end of this season, and all parties would appear to be edging towards his departure this summer.

But United legend Ferdinand says he’s more than happy for that to happen if it means that the club bring in Grealish, who has impressed for Aston Villa this season after he helped keep them in the Premier League in 2019/20.

“I don’t care if Pogba goes or not, Grealish is my man,” Ferdinand said on his FIVE YouTube channel.

Ferdinand feels Solskjaer (R) should replace Pogba (L) with Grealish (C)

“I have known him since he was in his early teens. He came to my restaurant and I got him and his dad some tickets for a game.”

That early meeting with Grealish has meant that Ferdinand has always looked out for the attacking midfielder’s career, and he has been impressed with his efforts off the pitch.

“He’s a great kid with a great family,” Ferdinand said.

“He loves his football. What the young kids don’t see with Jack Grealish is the hunger and hard work behind closed doors – the attention to detail and the way he trains. He has changed his regime and looked at himself and asked what he can do better.

Ferdinand has been impressed with Grealish

“I have heard from a lot of people that he is diligent in all the work he does off the pitch to get to where he is now. You are seeing results week in and week out.

“He is one of those players that has looked at himself in the summer and thought, ‘Yes, I’ve done well last season, I’ve signed a new deal at my boyhood club, and I am going to go again’.

“If I am a manager of a top team in England, a top three or four team, then I would not allow him to stay there, I would go and take him.”

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Gary Neville changes tune on “match winner” Paul Pogba after recent Man Utd form

Gary Neville changes tune on “match winner” Paul Pogba after recent Man Utd form
Gary Neville changes tune on “match winner” Paul Pogba after recent Man Utd form

Manchester United hero Gary Neville has changed his tune on Paul Pogba after criticising the Frenchman earlier this season, describing the midfielder as a “match-winner”.

Pogba has endured a stop-start season, having fallen out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earlier in the campaign.

His poor form towards the start of the campaign matched up with United’s in general, as the Red Devils got off to a torrid opening few games and crashed out of the Champions League.

Pogba was tipped to leave earlier in the season after his agent, Mino Raiola, claimed his time at Old Trafford was over.

Gary Neville was full of praise for Paul Pogba

Those comments, which came on the eve of United’s game against Leipzig that saw them dumped out of the Champions League, prompted Neville to criticise the super-agent and Pogba for the timing.

He wrote on Twitter : “Raiola – It’s happened many times before . However surely Paul knew he was making this announcement? If he wasn’t aware then we should see a quote from him very soon correcting his agent. Finally to do this ahead of Leipzig and the Man Derby is terrible timing for the Team.”

But Pogba has enjoyed a renaissance in the middle of the park for United in recent weeks, with Solskjaer guiding his side to second in the Premier League table.

Gary Neville is a fan of Paul Pogba

And Neville is enjoying seeing the midfielder in full flow, as he hailed the 27-year-old as being one of the match-winners in Solskjaer’s squad.

Pogba won a penalty in the second-half against Aston Villa on Saturday which Bruno Fernandes tucked away to seal all three points for United.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville was full of praise for the Frenchman for the way he’s turned things around.

He said: “What Manchester United have is a lot of match-winners – Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial, Daniel James, Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford… Game-changers.

“They do it in moments, and they don’t always have to be playing well when you have those players on the pitch.

“The performances are getting better, it’s a work in progress, it’s not by any stretch the finished article. At times in games they mesmerise you for 10 minutes, and then can turn into a nightmare for 10 minutes. But there’s confidence building, something is growing, there’s a spirit at the end of the game with the players celebrating was nice to see.”

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Darren Fletcher’s comments on Pogba as he joins Man Utd coaching staff

Darren Fletcher’s comments on Pogba as he joins Man Utd coaching staff
Darren Fletcher’s comments on Pogba as he joins Man Utd coaching staff

Manchester United have brought former midfielder Darren Fletcher into the first-team coaching setup.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has turned to his former team-mate to aid their Premier League title charge after he spent time in their youth setup.

Fletcher, 36, joins the coaching setup as a five-time Premier League winner with the club and having also spent time playing alongside Paul Pogba in his first stint at the club.

Fletcher also cut his teeth as a reserve team coach whilst sidelined due to illness whilst Pogba was breaking into the first-team.

And the Scot gave his thoughts on Pogba’s talents and role when discussing that period during an interview on Sky Sports back in 2018.

New Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher gave his thoughts on Paul Pogba in 2018

“The first time I spent out with my illness, going back five or six years ago, I did a spell coaching with the reserve team with Warren Joyce,” Fletcher recalled.

“When the reserve team included Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Ravel Morrison, a lot of talented players.

“We played him (Pogba) a lot higher up the pitch in advanced areas, in attacking areas.

“Whether that be central, right or left or wide, and we felt he was the one that would go and win us games really.

“A combination of the fact we felt he had a little bit of ill-discipline in the middle of the park as more of a normal central midfielder.”

Fletcher has been announced as the latest member of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaching staff

Asked if Sir Alex Ferguson agreed on that assessment, he went on to recall the scenario they felt contributed to Pogba’s departure to Juventus.

“Probably the same really,” he said.

“It goes back to a famous game where we feel he left Manchester United off the back of it.

“We lost to Blackburn 3-2 and everyone was injured really, all the midfielders.

Pogba impressed in Man Utd’s last game against Aston Villa

“The manager picked Ji-Sung Park, I think Phil Jones and Rafael had spells in midfield, and Paul was on the bench.

“But I think at that time, we didn’t feel he was disciplined enough for the reserve team we were playing him in then.

“To then jump to be playing for the first-team in an important game, I think people could see why.

“I think he saw himself as a central midfielder but we saw him more as an attacking midfielder who could get in areas and be a match-winner.”

A lot has changed since Fletcher’s original assessment of Pogba.

But it could indicate how he will look to bring the best out of the Frenchman alongside Solskjaer now he is part of the coaching team.

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Arsenal transfer round-up: Paul Pogba move backed, Gunners make Isco decision

Arsenal transfer round-up: Paul Pogba move backed, Gunners make Isco decision
Arsenal transfer round-up: Paul Pogba move backed, Gunners make Isco decision

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is continuing to overhaul his squad as he continues to fire the Gunners up the Premier League table.

The Gunners are now within touching distance of the Europa League qualification spots after three consecutive wins over West Brom, Chelsea and Brighton.

Sead Kolasnic has already been moved on, joining Bundesliga side Schalke on loan, and Arteta more than hinting others will follow the Bosnian through the exit door this month.

But the need for reinforcements, and departures, is clear as the Spaniard seeks to stamp his vision on the team now the January transfer window has begun.

Here’s the latest Arsenal transfer news.

Pogba move backed by Wright

Could Paul Pogba join Arsenal?

Ian Wright “would love” Paul Pogba to play for Arsenal as he continues to be linked with a Manchester United exit.

Mirror Sport understands that the club will sanction Pogba’s exit in the summer after accepting he would not sign a new deal.

And Wright admits he would love a player of his ilk in north London as he waxed lyrical about his performance against Villa.

“Yes [Pogba is back to his best] he is and you know, with all the stuff that’s happened with him he’s getting it right on the pitch,” he said.

“He was everywhere. He was in his own box, he was up there in their box, he was doing everything today.

“That’s what he can do with his creativity. you give him this much time when you have willing runners like Marcus Rashford….that is just fantastic.

“A super, super pass. I’d love to have someone like that.”

Gunners make Isco decision

Real Madrid star Isco has been linked with Arsenal

Arsenal have reportedly decided against making a move for Real Madrid playmaker Isco.

That is because they have been impressed by the recent form of young Emile Smith Rowe.

The 20-year-old has highly impressed in recent weeks after being given a run of games, starting in all three of Arsenal’s recent wins.

Arteta was believed to be a big supporter of Isco and would have loved to snap up the 28-year-old if he became available, but AS claim that he now thinks that would be an unnecessary move following the emergence of Smith Rowe.

Sevilla star speaks out amid rumours

The combative midfielder is a key part of Sevilla's team
Combative midfielder Joan Jordan is a key part of Sevilla’s team

Sevilla midfielder Joan Jordan has spoken out amid rumours that he is being targeted by Arsenal this month.

The Gunners are believed to be willing to meet Sevilla’s £32million asking price, meaning a move could be on the cards.

But Jordan insists he is focused on life in Spain and La Liga.

He said: “In the end, these are just things that come out [transfer talk], like the many things that were said, the rumours, when I was at Eibar.

“I have always been very clear about the present…the future does not feed me, it takes away from me and does not give me the energy I need.”

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Man Utd to sell Pogba in summer as Red Devils accept he will not sign new deal

Man Utd to sell Pogba in summer as Red Devils accept he will not sign new deal
Man Utd to sell Pogba in summer as Red Devils accept he will not sign new deal

Manchester United will sell Paul Pogba in the summer after accepting that the Frenchman will not be signing a new contract.

Pogba, 27, has enjoyed a spectacular return to form since his agent Mino Raiola confirmed again last months that the £89million midfielder wants to leave Old Trafford.

United triggered a one-year contract extension that ties him to the club until the summer of 2022 in October.

But while manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been delighted with Pogba’s attitude and application as his team have stormed up to second place in the Premier League, there is now an acceptance at the club that they must sell him at the end of the season to recoup some of the cash they handed to Juventus to bring him back to Manchester in 2016.

Bruno Fernandes has emerged as United’s top performer over the last year.

United will cash in on Pogba in the summer

And the Portuguese said after the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Friday night that he believes Solskjaer is on the brink of building something special.

But Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris St Germain are all interested in Pogba.

And United are hoping that a bidding war will push up the fee they will bank.

United have won eight of their last 10 Premier League games and now face rivals Manchester City in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Fernandes said: “I think Paul was top. But we all know the qualities he has. I think it is not in doubt.

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“I hope people are not in doubt on the qualities of Paul because we know he can play, he can help us and he can play really well.

“I think we are building something important.

“The most important for us is building a team, building a group of players who take care of each other.

“As I sit in the stands in the last two or three minutes, everyone is shouting and hoping to don’t concede a goal and to take care of the ball.

“Everyone wanted the three points, everyone wanted that win and this is what it is all about.

“Now we have to build on this more and more.”

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Man Utd now seeing “the best” Paul Pogba as Gary Neville pinpoints turning point

Man Utd now seeing “the best” Paul Pogba as Gary Neville pinpoints turning point
Man Utd now seeing “the best” Paul Pogba as Gary Neville pinpoints turning point

Gary Neville believes Manchester United are now seeing “the best of Paul Pogba” with his agent’s comments proving to be a turning point.

The Red Devils midfielder has long been praised for his talent, but he has been unable to produce regularly enough.

Pogba has repeatedly been linked with moves away to the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus.

Mino Raiola again stoked the fire when he declared his time at Old Trafford “over” and urged United to sell up in January.

Those comments came before a crunch Champions League clash at RB Leipzig, one they lost 3-2 despite a late comeback.

Paul Pogba’s agent has talked up a move away

But Neville reckons since that evening, where Pogba came on and scored, United have got the best out of him and are a better team with him present.

“When they played Leipzig his agent came out and said he wanted to leave, but since then I have seen the best of Paul Pogba,’ he told  Amazon Prime Video .

“I have got to say I prefer watching Manchester United when he is playing because he gives them something that might take them on the way to the title. He is a world-class player.”

Pogba played the full 90 minutes as United got an injury time winner against Wolves.

Marcus Rashford’s deflected effort lifted the Red Devils into second, just two points off leaders Liverpool.

The Frenchman is part of a Man Utd side who are building momentum

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are continuing to build momentum having won seven of their last nine league games.

Rashford though has dismissed talk of a title challenge despite their strong form.

“We can’t look too far ahead,” he said after scoring his 14th goal of the season.

“We are a team that is still doing a lot of work on ourselves and to be looking at the table so early on in the season is a bit stupid of us.

“We have to take it one game at a time and if we can keep finding ways to win like this we will see where we are at the end of the season.”

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Man Utd set out conditions they’re willing to accept for sale of Paul Pogba

Man Utd set out conditions they’re willing to accept for sale of Paul Pogba
Man Utd set out conditions they’re willing to accept for sale of Paul Pogba

Manchester United will finally let Paul Pogba leave the club at the end of the season, but won’t let him go on the cheap, it has been claimed.

Reports had suggested the Red Devils would allow him to leave in exchange for either Aaron Ramsey or Adrien Rabiot.

However, that is apparently not the case, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claiming they will only offload the French midfielder for a hefty transfer fee or in exchange for a world-class player.

Pogba’s future has been a constant talking point in recent months, with constant speculation over whether he will sign a new contract or look to leave.

Manchester United will let Paul Pogba leave next summer

His agent, Mino Raiola, had been vocal about wanting his client to push for a move away from Old Trafford.

He even went so far as to say that his United career was “over”, and that he wanted to find him a new club to help suit his playing style.

Real Madrid and Juventus have often been tipped as the most likely potential suitors, with reports emerging this week of a possible swap deal involving Ramsey coming back to the Premier League or a swoop for former Paris Saint-Germain star Rabiot.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Paul Pogba to stay at Manchester United

But Romano claims neither will happen, and that United would only consider a swap deal if a “top” player with the same ability as Pogba came the other way.

One way or another, it seems the French midfielder – who will have one year remaining on his contract when the summer comes around – will depart the club at the end of the season.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently discussed Pogba’s situation and predicted that he could make a u-turn and decide to stay if the club starts to compete for trophies.

“There’s always a demand at Man United to win trophies and the more you win trophies, the more players are going to want to play for us and then there’s a higher standard you’ve got to set yourself,” Solskjaer said.

“It’s a demand for the players, it’s a challenge for the players that we want them to improve and get better and better. Paul has been here for a while and of course he wants to win more trophies.

“It’s down to us to win trophies and then let’s see who will be part of the team going forward.”