Arsene Wenger says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to convince Paul Pogba that he will only earn his move elsewhere by coming up with the goods at Old Trafford.
Pogba's future was thrown into the spotlight again this week after his agent Mino Raiola claimed the midfielder "needs a new team, a change of air".
Raiola also suggested that Pogba's exit in January would be the "best solution" after claiming his client is unhappy at Man Utd.
The 27-year-old is keen on a "dream" switch to Real Madrid, or a return to former club Juventus, but has struggled to produce the type of form that would warrant such transfers.
And Wenger feels Solskjaer must use the current situation as a means to eke out Pogba's best performances before he moves on.
"I believe that you have to explain to a player that no matter what his future plan is, his interest and his job is to perform at the present [club]," Wenger told ESPN's Caught Offside podcast .
"It's the best way to prepare your future, to play well in the present.
"When I saw Pogba coming on on Tuesday night at RB Leipzig, I was sorry he didn't start the game because straight away he made a huge impact."
Pogba has been in and out of United's side this season, starting on six occasions while making a further eight appearances as a substitute in all competitions.
After scoring against West Ham last weekend, followed by his decent cameo in midweek, Pogba is likely to play at least some part in Saturday's derby against Man City.
And it seems he has the full backing of his boss, as Solskjaer has refused to hit back at the meddling Raiola, instead defending Pogba and insisting the Frenchman is focused on being a success at United.
Should United sell Pogba in January? Have your say below.
“Paul’s got the hunger and appetite to play," Solskjaer told reporters on Friday. "He wants to train and he’s focused on performing when he gets a chance.
“There’s been other players refusing to train and refusing to play - they’re not here any more, of course - but Paul’s not once done that.
"He’s got the quality and the desire to do well when he comes on, like he did against Leipzig, when he had a positive impact."
