It's a well worn tale at this stage but appears as though it may come true this time - Paul Pogba seems likely to leave Manchester United this summer.
The French midfielder has had his critics during his time at Old Trafford, where he has spent the last six seasons. Despite winning a World Cup with France during his time at United, Pogba has failed to scale to similar heights in Manchester.
Pogba recently commented on his uncertainty over his role at the club, and his constantly changing position in the midfield.
His manager Ralf Rangnick responded to those comments in his Friday press conference, suggesting that Pogba has to learn to use his "flexibility" in service of the team.
Paul Pogba: Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick questions Frenchman's recent comments
Paul Pogba has given Manchester United fans flashes of brilliance since returning to the club in 2016. His goal in the 2017 Europa League final remains the highlight of his second spell with the club, but he has been usurped as the star in United's midfield by 2020 signing Bruno Fernandes.
There is no doubt that Pogba is one of the most talented midfielders in the world, but he has not delivered consistently for Manchester United, and appears likely to leave the club this summer when his contract expires.
Pogba recently gave an interview to French newspaper Le Figaro, in which he asked: "at Manchester United do I really have a role? I ask the question but I don’t have an answer."
United manager Ralf Rangnick spoke to the media on Friday ahead of the club's game this weekend against Leicester City. He responded to Pogba's comments, suggesting that he must use his versatility to aid the team.
I heard he said that he played in different positions in the last couple of weeks.
Since the game against West Ham on January 22nd, we have lost three strikers.
With Bruno Fernandes or Scott McTominay missing, then of course someone has to play a different role.
He [Paul Pogba] is a flexible player and can play as a six, eight, or even 10. This is normal.
🗣 "I don't think it makes sense to interpret or judge what he has said in an interview."
Ralf Rangnick on Paul Pogba's comments about "wasting the best years of his career" at Manchester United pic.twitter.com/0BzVsiTOhN— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 1, 2022
Pogba's comments went even further in recent weeks, as he seemed to suggest he had "wasted" the best years of his club career at Manchester United. Rangnick
I've got enough to do now to prepare the team for the next game.
I don't think it makes sense to interpret or judge what he has maybe said in an interview, that doesn't make sense. That is something that maybe you can do if you want.
Rangnick also praised Pogba's teammate Bruno Fernandes, who signed a new five year contract with the club on Friday.
Interim manager Rangnick praised the Portuguese playmaker's impact on the team, and said that he would be a huge asset to United in the coming years.
I think it's very good news for the club...also for Bruno, to know he will be here for the next five years.
There is no doubt that he is a very important player for this club and this team. As I said, that's great news. I congratulated him yesterday when we saw each other after he returned from the World Cup qualifier.
As we all know, he played well in the second game - I watched both games on TV - and he scored the two most important goals.
It will be a huge surprise to football fans if Paul Pogba is still at Manchester United next season, and the sizeable new deal for Bruno Fernandes appears to indicate that the club is preparing for life without the Frenchman.
His time in Manchester will likely be chalked up as a disappointment, despite the flashes of brilliance, and attention will soon turn to where Pogba will end up next.
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