‘It’s in his interests to perform’ – Wenger tells Man Utd how to handle Pogba situation

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Manchester United should be handling the Paul Pogba situation better.

The midfielder was shot into the spotlight last week when agent Mino Raiola revealed that the World Cup winner’s long-term future does not lie at the club.

The news broke 24 hours before a critical Champions League match with RB Leipzig, which United subsequently went on to lose 3-2.

Pogba, amid a storm of criticism, was left out of the starting XI on that occasion and made a positive impact when he arrived on the field, almost helping his side secure an unlikely point after they had trailed 3-0.

And fellow Frenchman Wenger believes that the Red Devils’ man management of the 27-year-old, who continues to be linked with a move back to Juventus, should have been stronger.

“I believe that you have to explain to a player that no matter what his future plan is, his interest and his job is to perform at the present club,” Wenger told ESPN’s ‘Caught Offside’ podcast.

“It’s the best way to prepare your future, to play well in the present.

“When I saw Pogba coming on on Tuesday night at RB Leipzig, I was sorry he didn’t start the game because straight away he made a huge impact.”

Pogba, meanwhile, started Saturday’s Manchester derby, which ended in a tame scoreless draw that does the title hopes of neither club any good.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, meanwhile, has praised the attitude of the club’s academy product.

“There’s been other players refusing to train and refusing to play – they’re not here any more, of course – but Paul’s not once done that,” he said.

“He’s got the quality and the desire to do well when he comes on, like he did against Leipzig, when he had a positive impact.”

“I’ve always fought and will always fight for Manchester United, my team-mates and the fans,” Pogba said via an Instagram post on Saturday. “The future is far, today is what matters and I am 1000% involved!”

He has been hampered by injury and illness over the course of the last 18 months, including a bout of Covid-19 earlier this season.

Pogba has made 15 appearances for United this season and has scored two goals.