Manchester United have been linked with a move for Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder all summer, but that appears less likely by the day.
At 27 years of age, Sneijder is proving too expensive both in transfer fee and wages for a deal to be agreed, and Sir Alex Ferguson has been encouraged enough by the players already at his disposal.
While Ferguson highlighted the strong display of Tom Cleverley in the Community Shield as an asset, he has another player in mind as Paul Scholes’ long term replacement at Old Trafford.
Paul Pogba.
The young Frenchman has come on in leaps and bounds for the youth teams and reserves in recent weeks, with his calmness in possession and powerful strike from distance.
Sound familiar?
Whether Pogba is ready to step up at the age of 18 is questionable, but Ferguson has high hopes.
“We’re quite positive about [Pogba],” said the Manchester United manager.
“If we hold Paul Pogba back, what’s going to happen? He’s going to leave in a couple of years’ time when his contract is finished.
“We have to give him opportunities to see how he can do in the first team. He’s got the ability, the physique and the athleticism.”
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