Ralf Rangnick warns wantaway stars to keep on competing for Manchester United

Ralf Rangnick has issued a warning to Paul Pogba after the France midfielder claimed Manchester United’s season was “dead” now that all hopes of winning a trophy are over.

Pogba made the comments to French newspaper Le Figaro during the international break, with the 29-year-old giving the clearest indication yet that he will leave Old Trafford on a free transfer this summer.

But Rangnick, who has already said United cannot afford to drop any more points in the battle for a Champions League place, rejected Pogba’s claims in pointed terms.

“No, even less so for example for players whose contracts are running out,” he said. “They need to recommend themselves for this club or any another club.

“Either way it would not be wise for them to let the season peter out, we can’t afford that, even more so a club like Manchester United.

“Those players whose contracts are running out, they have to recommend themselves and the players who are still in contract, they have to recommend themselves to a new manager.”

United host Leicester on Saturday evening, in a match offering them an opportunity to both move back above fifth-placed Tottenham, who face Newcastle on Sunday, and apply pressure on fourth-placed Arsenal, who do not travel to Crystal Palace until Monday.

Pogba is one of several players who can walk away from United for nothing this summer, with a major overhaul expected as a new permanent manager comes in – the recruitment process having stepped up in recent days with Ajax coach Erik Ten Hag having been interviewed for the role.

The sales pitch to potential new signings would certainly be easier with the offer of Champions League football, but after seeing Bruno Fernandes commit himself to the club until 2026 on Friday,