Super-agent Mino Raiola has dampened rumours linking Paul Pogba with a move away from Manchester United despite his fractious relationship with Jose Mourinho.
Pogba, 25, has endured an eventful start to the new season, with the France international stripped of his vice-captaincy last month and having also been involved in a heated training ground encounter with Mourinho.
The World Cup winning star has been openly critical of his manager’s tactics this season following a 1-1 draw with Wolves, and Barcelona has been heavily mooted to make a move for the midfield maestro.
The growing rift between Pogba and Mourinho has divided opinion at Old Trafford and created uncertainly around the club’s aspirations in recent weeks, but Raiola insists his client is just going through a rough patch, and that his future with the Red Devils is not under threat.
“I prefer not to talk about him,” Raiola told Rai Sport (via Goal). “He’s going through a delicate moment, but he’s not on the market.”
Pogba was instrumental on Saturday evening as the 13-time Premier League winners staged an inspiring comeback against Newcastle United, with the Frenchman appearing to play in a back three for the second half.
The Red Devils found themselves 2-0 down within the opening 10 minutes of the match – a first ever for the club – and Mourinho was forced to rejig his tactical structure as a result.
Eric Bailly was unceremoniously substituted for Juan Mata in the first half and then Marouane Fellaini entered the fray for Scott McTominay after the restart.
There also appeared to be a reshuffle at the back, with Pogba playing alongside midfielder partner Nemanja Matic and Chris Smalling in a back-three.
Despite this, Pogba performed expertly and his side scored three goals to produce an unlikely comeback. Mourinho has been unsympathetically critical of his side’s inability to play the ball out from the back, and so Pogba – given his technical nous – may find himself playing deeper in the future.
In fact, Mourinho has previously stated his belief that Pogba has the technical ability and physical attributes to be a “phenomenal central defender.”
Man Utd face an away trip to Chelsea in the Premier League after the international break.
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