Next Manchester United manager can use Paul Pogba decision to show they mean business

Another international break, another Paul Pogba interview in France once again raising the subject of his Manchester United future.

Old Trafford chiefs can set their watch by Pogba's regular dispatches from international duty these days. While he is a reticent talker when representing United, he can't stop chatting once he checks in at Clairefontaine.

It's a pattern that sums up the way Pogba has controlled the narrative on his future ever since he went public with his desire for a new challenge in 2019. United have kept hold of him since then, but he's produced only a couple of spells of truly consistent, high-level performances and throughout that time they've had to deal with the soap opera being created by Mino Raiola in the background.

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It's hard to say it's all been worth it when a world-class footballer is three months away from walking out of Old Trafford for nothing for the second time in his career. Pogba kept the possibility of staying at United on the table during his media duties with France, but also hinted that he will drag out the debate over his future until the summer.

"Nothing is decided on my future, there is nothing done," he told Telefoot. "I can decide tomorrow, as I can decide during the transfer window. I want to come back, finish the season well."

Pogba's comments about United having nothing to left play for once he returns to Carrington are probably more instructive as to where he thinks he will be, or not be, next season, but financially the offer to stay at Old Trafford might still be the best.

It's time United nipped this long-running saga in the bud, however. Pogba agitated for a move in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first