Paul Pogba 'isn't Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's property', says Mino Raiola
War of words between Solskjaer and Raiola; Pogba has been sidelined with ankle injury for majority of 2019-20 season; Frenchman's future at Old Trafford uncertain
Paul Pogba is "not Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's property", according to his agent Mino Raiola
Mino Raiola has hit out at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for comments he made about Paul Pogba, stating the midfielder is neither the agent's nor the Manchester United manager's "property".
Pogba, 26, has been absent for the majority of the 2019-20 campaign with an ankle injury and continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
The 2018 World Cup winner last played on Boxing Day, featuring for 45 minutes in United's 4-1 victory over Newcastle.
"I haven't sat down and told Paul to tell his agent what to say. I've not spoken to Mino, that's for sure."
On Monday evening, Pogba's representative Raiola responded on Instagram: "Paul is not mine and for sure not Solskjaer's property, Paul is Paul Pogba's...
"BUT BEFORE Solskjaer makes comments about things I say he should inform himself better about the content of what has been said. ⠀
Pogba is under contract at United until 2021 and his deal includes the option of extending by a further year
"I am a free citizen who can think and express my thoughts. Until now I was maybe to nice to him. Solskjaer should just remember things that he said in the summer to Paul. ⠀
"I think Solskjaer may be frustrated for different reasons and is now mixing up some issues.
"I think that Solskjaer has other things to worry about. AT LEAST IF I WAS HIM I WOULD."
Responding to Raiola's comments, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said after United's 2-0 win at Chelsea: "This situation will end with Paul Pogba leaving Manchester United.
"What needs to happen is the club need to make a stance on that agent. That agent has messed them around now for years and years with Pogba and with other players as well.
"Why they allow themselves to be played by him, I'll never know. He's a serious thorn in the side of Manchester United."
Ole: I don't need to speak to Raiola or Pogba
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Ole responds to Raiola's Pogba comments
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reflects on Manchester United's 2-0 win over Chelsea and reacts to agent Mino Raiola's comments about Paul Pogba.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reflects on a positive night for Manchester United after their 2-0 win over Chelsea and also gives his thoughts on Mino Raiola's comments, who is the agent of Paul Pogba
Despite Solskjaer appearing non-committal over the accusations levelled at him, the Manchester United boss said he "probably won't" speak to either about the situation.
"I don't have to comment through the media on Mino (Raiola) and what he has to say, I can probably speak to him myself but I probably won't," Ole Gunnar Solskjaer exclusively told Sky Sports.
"Everyone has a voice and an opinion and there's things being said about us (Manchester United) that you want to comment on but it's more clever if you don't.
"Paul (Pogba) and Mino have their conversations and that's fine."
Analysis: Neville - 'United need to stand strong against Raiola'
Raiola has previously said that Pogba wants to ‘win prizes’ at Manchester United
"This situation will end with Paul Pogba leaving Manchester United.
"What needs to happen is the club need to make a stance on that agent. That agent has messed them around now for years and years with Pogba and with other players as well.
"Why they allow themselves to be played by him, I'll never know. He's a serious thorn in the side of Manchester United. They need to stand strong and say they don't do business with this guy and if you are represented by him, we won't deal with you.
"Not that we don't think Pogba's a good player, he is, but there seems to be too much baggage with him and his agent. Just move him on and concentrate on what's right for the team and the club.
"Sometimes you have to lose to win. Let him go. I know it might backfire on you with missing out on Erling Haaland and all that, but if it's not right for the club and these agents are almost laughing at you, let these lads go. Look at the bigger picture.
"We are talking about a great club like Manchester United. Don't be chasing after these agents and players, who, at the bottom line, don't really want to be at the club. The agents don't want to be there, I don't think Pogba wants to be there so just shake hands and say off you go. He will go this summer, 100 per cent."
Pogba's future: The saga so far
Pogba has featured for United just eight times this term, and Raiola has said that "Italy is like a second home" for the midfielder and that he would "not dislike" a move back to Serie A.
Real Madrid and Juventus have been reported as the two most likely destinations for Pogba if he leaves United this summer. He spent four years at the Allianz Stadium from 2012 to 2016.
The France international admitted he was seeking a "new challenge" in 2019, while Raiola indicated later last summer he was intent on finding a new club for his client.
3:21
Paul Pogba still wants to leave Manchester United and feels he can play at a higher level, according to Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol
Solskjaer was adamant Pogba would not be sold during the January transfer window and has adopted the same stance on the central midfielder's future since he became Manchester United manager.
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