Manchester United have reportedly been left with a "frustration, bordering on anger" over Mino Raiola's sudden declaration that Paul Pogba wants to leave the club.
Outspoken agent Raiola used an interview with Italian publication Tuttosport to make it clear that, as far as he sees it, his client's future lies elsewhere.
Pogba is under contract at United for the next 18 months, and his agent's move could be seen as an attempt to heap the pressure on the Premier League giants as the World Cup winner eyes a move either back to Juventus or to long-time suitors Real Madrid.
“I can say that it’s over for Paul Pogba at Manchester United," said Raiola.
“It’s pointless beating around the bush. Better to be straight up about it.
"Paul is unhappy at Manchester United. He isn’t performing as he’d like and as we expect. He has to move, he has to change scenery. He has a contract that expires in 18 months, in summer 2022. But I think the best thing for all parties is a sale.
“Otherwise United, who we have a great relationship with, know very well they’d risk losing him for free given the player has no intention of extending. If someone doesn’t understand that, they understand little or nothing about football.”
That declaration has seemingly been met with anger at United, with The Athletic reporting that the club are annoyed that Raiola has gone public just a day before arguably their biggest game of the season so far at RB Leipzig, a match they cannot afford to lose.
It is also safe to say that the idea Raiola has "a great relationship" with United can be forgotten, with the club left exasperated at his latest actions.
On the outside the club are determined to be seen to be focusing solely on the Leipzig clash, for which Pogba is in the squad.
But inside the corridors of power there are likely to be several conversations ongoing about just how United handle Raiola's outburst.
Will United reach the last-16? Have your say in the comments below
Sign up for the Mirror Football newsletter here
