Manchester United: Record bid for world-class midfielder; De Gea makes statement on future

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Another day brings another Manchester United transfer round-up, and yet more big names that the Red Devils are supposedly targeting ahead of what’s expected to be a busy window under Jose Mourinho. First up, is player already very familiar with the club. That’s right, you guessed it. According to The Sun, the club have made a British transfer record breaking bid for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

The report suggests that Mourinho sees the France international as the first step in his planned United rebuild, even though Pogba walked out on United for nothing four years ago, during the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson. Nonetheless, as always seems to be the case, they face competition from La Liga outfit Barcelona for his signature.

It is believed that Mourinho sanctioned an offer for Pogba worth an initial £48million fee plus £12million more in add-on payments based on the club’s success and the player’s appearances. That adds up to slightly more than the £59.7million they paid for Argentine flop Angel Di Maria in 2014.

In Serie A last season, no player registered more assists than the Frenchman (12) and only Palermo’s Franco Vazquez (126) completed more dribbles (102). Renowned for his excellent passing ability, the Frenchman completed 83.4% of his attempted passes, while he averaged more shots at goal per game (3.5) than any of his Juventus teammates.

As unlikely as his arrival at Old Trafford seems, there is no doubt Paul Pogba would be an excellent addition ahead of Mourinho’s debut season. Already regarded as one of the world’s most established players, at just 23 years of age, he would represent a significant upgrade to the club’s current options in the centre of the park.

In other news, David de Gea appears to have all but confirmed he is staying Manchester United with his latest comments regarding Jose Mourinho. He has seemingly pledged his future to the club by stating he wants to win trophies under his new manager, who he describes as a ‘winner.’ He told Spanish news outlet Marca, as translated by Sky Sports:

“To speak of Jose Mourinho is to talk about a winning coach and that is United’s philosophy and mine. With that idea in mind, I’m certain we can build a great team. I welcome him. I have three further years left on my contract with United and I’m enthusiastic to win titles there.”

De Gea had been linked with a move away from Old Trafford prior to Louis van Gaal’s departure, and it is believed that Mourinho’s arrival had a major say in his decision to resist the overtures being made by Real Madrid – which is excellent news if you’re a Manchester United fan.

The Spaniard won the club’s Player of the Season award for a third successive season this year, following another outstanding campaign between the sticks. Indeed, he has been a consistent standout performer for the Red Devils in the years of turbulence following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Had it not been for De Gea, who made memorable saves against Southampton, Watford and, most recently, in the FA Cup semi-final win over Everton this season, United wouldn’t have won the FA Cup or finished anywhere near the race for a Champions League qualification spot in the most recent Premier League campaign.

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