‘Pogba influential like Bruno’ – Ighalo pleads Man Utd to keep France star

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 17 May 2021 16:14 BST
• 2 min read

Paul Pogba must remain at Manchester United, according to former Red Devil Odion Ighalo, who has hailed the importance of the World Cup winner.

With a contract that expires in 2022, Pogba’s future has been a matter of conjecture for months.

READ MORE: Who is Mino Raiola? The super-agent behind Haaland and Pogba

Amid criticism over his form and lack of regularity in his play, it was suggested by agent Mino Raiola in December that the midfielder wanted to leave the club.

However, Pogba backtracked on those claims following fury at their timing just before a vital Champions League match with RB Leipzig.

Nevertheless, his future remains up in the air, with the 28-year-old having managed just 21 league matches following a season blighted with ankle and hamstring issues.

‘Pogba one of Man Utd’s best players’

Ighalo, who left the club in January to join Al Shabab, is certain what decision Man Utd should take.

The Nigeria international told Sky Sports: “He’s one of the best players I’ve played with and he’s one of the best players at Manchester United.

“Pogba is a good guy away from the pitch, in the dressing room he’s a funny guy, always laughing, always happy, and when Pogba is not happy it’s when he’s not playing.

“If Manchester United have the opportunity to keep him, I’m pleading for them to keep him longer because he’s an influential player for this team just like Bruno.

“I watched the game against Tottenham and Pogba was exceptional. I hope United keep him for longer.”

Pogba has been linked with a summer move back to Juventus, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also associated with the midfielder, who has played nearly 200 times for Man Utd.