Paul Pogba is showing Manchester United “respect” despite the midfielder’s determination to force himself out of the club, according to his agent, Mino Raiola.
The 26-year-old has stated he wants a new “challenge” and last week Raiola spoke of Pogba’s “willingness to move on”. This is despite Pogba being contracted until 2021 and being one of United’s highest-paid players.
“The player has done nothing wrong,” Raiola told TalkSport. “He has been respectful and professional in every way and always. The club has known his feeling for a long time.”
Raiola also claimed that United should defend Pogba against criticism he is receiving for his desire to depart. “It is a shame other people only like to criticise without the right information, and I am also sorry that the club does not take any position against this,” he said. “Hopefully there will be soon a satisfying solution for all parties.”
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Pogba is with the United squad in Perth as the club start their pre-season tour.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly interested in Southampton’s 25-year-old midfielder Mario Lemina. Arsenal and Leicester City are also monitoring the Gabonese, according to the Press Association, though no club have met the valuation. Southampton paid Juventus an initial €17m for Lemina two years ago and although he has made only three appearances since the turn of the year and the club are thought to want to recoup this.