Manchester United selling Paul Pogba this summer could lead to “big players” snubbing moves to Old Trafford, says Gary Neville.
The France international has enjoyed a welcome return to form over recent weeks, with a sixth goal of the season recorded in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal.
Pogba has, however, seen his value questioned throughout the 2017-18 campaign, which in turn has sparked talk of a possible move elsewhere for the Red Devils’ £89 million record signing.
Neville hopes the transfer speculation can be seen off and the 25-year-old retained at Old Trafford, with United’s decision to part with Angel Di Maria in 2015 just one year after acquiring him for £59.7m doing little to endear them to prospective new recruits.
Quizzed by Sky Sports on whether he expects Pogba to stay put, the former Red Devils defender said: “I’m not confident but at the same time I haven’t heard anything that suggests he’s definitely going.
Next Match
“In my view United took a hit on Di Maria, are they really going to do that again with Pogba? It’s a big, big call to sell him.
“You could put off the big players you’re trying to attract to the club as well. I hope he stays and it works out for him.”
Jose Mourinho has been among those to criticise and challenge Pogba this season, with both men forced to play down talk of a breakdown in their professional relationship.
Playing Surface/Getty
United’s manager has branded the ongoing exit rumours as “lies”, but Neville concedes that a star turn must deliver on the pitch in order for a distracting saga to be brought to a close.
He added: “When you put yourself out there like he has you have to back it up with performances that are consistent.
“I’m glad he’s taking the blame. Consistency is the key thing for him. United are a better team with him in it – they should keep him and make him the player he can be.”
Pogba has made 33 appearances across all competitions this season, in what has been a campaign broken up by injury and stints on the bench.
