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Pogba's cryptic message amid Ralf Rangnick's problems at Man Utd

mirror.co.uk, 29 December 2021, 19:44
Pogba's contract at Manchester United will expire at the end of the season, with the World Cup winner appearing increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford

Manchester United star Paul Pogba has sent a cryptic message on social media as Ralf Rangnick struggles to turn the Red Devils' fortunes around.

Rangnick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Old Trafford dugout a month ago, maintaining an unbeaten record in his four games in charge in all competitions.

But performances have been underwhelming to say the least, with United struggling to beat rock-bottom Norwich City, as well as drawing with Swiss minnows Young Boys in the Champions League.

The lowest point of his reign came on Monday night though, when United were forced to rely on substitute Edinson Cavani to rescue a 1-1 draw at relegation-threatened Newcastle.

United's performance left much to be desired, with the Magpies on top of the visitors for much of the Premier League clash.

Rangnick is renowned for his 'gegenpressing' style of play, with his teams usually deployed in a 4-2-2-2 formation.

But it was a system that was exploited to full affect by Newcastle, who missed several chances to win the game.

United's interim boss has admitted in the aftermath of their poor display at St James' Park that he is finding it more challenging that expected to improve their fortunes.

"Every ambitious coach - and there is no difference between other coaches and myself in that area - wants to take faster steps and larger steps forward," Rangnick said.

"We had eight or nine players in training directly after the Norwich game, and they only came back in bits and pieces.

"The last few days we were almost back to full strength with regard to the size of the squad, but we couldn't do that much in training.

"On the other hand, in those two or three training sessions the team looked good and therefore the Newcastle game was a bit of a negative surprise, the way that we played with regard to game speed, game tempo and physicality."

Adding more intrigue into the atmosphere at Old Trafford is the situation of Pogba, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Negotiations over a new deal for the Frenchman have stalled completely, with the World Cup winner increasingly likely to leave.

Have Your Say! Should Manchester United try to sell Paul Pogba in January? Comment below.

And though he has been ruled out through injury since the start of November, it appears that he has some thoughts on how Rangnick's management is progressing.

"Dont ᒪook at the problem, ᒪook at the solution," Pogba cryptically wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of himself in the back of a car.

The upcoming January transfer window will be the last moment United will be able to sell the midfielder for a fee.

He could also, of course, sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club from January 1, which would ensure United are unable to recoup any of the record transfer fee they paid for him.

Rangnick has suggested that Pogba will return to action in around two weeks, with the German preparing his side to face Premier League strugglers Burnley on Thursday night.

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