Ed Woodward has opened negotiations with Juventus to bring French star Paul Pogba back to Manchester United after four years, reports French newspaper L’Equipe on Thursday.
It seems Woodward doesn’t want to leave any stone unturned to take Manchester United back to the pinnacle of English football, after the appointment of Jose Mourinho.
L’Equipe say Jose Mourinho wanted to sign Pogba at Chelsea last summer, and there were many European reports at the time backing that up, but he could very well get his wish this summer at Manchester United.
The French newspaper say Manchester United are ready to provide ‘a substantial financial package’ to finalise a deal and satisfy the desire of their new manager.
Juventus, however, have set an asking price of €100m, and it’s reported Manchester United could make an offer for Pogba next week when another meeting is scheduled to take place with Juventus officials.
Paul Pogba is reportedly tempted by the prospect of playing under Jose Mourinho, and will also have his national teammates Anthony Martial and Morgan Schneiderlin at Old Trafford.
The lack of Champions League football is presented as a negative, as is the fact that Pogba is genuinely happy with his life at Juventus and in Turin.
L’Equipe believe Mourinho could consider playing a 4-3-3 at Manchester United next season with Pogba and Rooney in the midfield, and Zlatan, Mkhitaryan, and Martial in the attack. That would then leave room, and need, for presumably a super-human defensive midfielder.
Mino Raiola’s involvement is also mentioned, with the agent looking very much Manchester United’s go-to-guy this summer and if he can bring Woodward and Mourinho their Galactico then everyone will be happy.
