Juan Mata has urged Paul Pogba to stay at Manchester United amid rumours the midfielder could leave for Real Madrid or Juventus.
The two players are among the contenders to take the captain's armband at Old Trafford for the coming season, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to keep Pogba at the club to play alongside Mata.
at a recent fan event in Singapore, during United's pre-season tour, what it takes to make it as a top professional footballer and "If you want to be a top football player, just follow Juan Mata."
And Mata mirrors that belief in his teammate and has revealed Pogba has been positive around the United camp in pre-season.
“We all know Paul and he’s a fantastic midfielder and he’s a very good guy, very positive, good influence for everyone,” Mata told Sky Sports.
“I think he’s happy, he brings everyone together.
“But I cannot speak for other people. I cannot speak for myself, for my present and my future in the club.
“And obviously as a team-mate, and as a friend also, I would like him to stay and to be happy because he is a very good player for us, but I cannot say much else.”
Although Mata recent signed a new two-year contract extension at United, Pogba's future is far from crystal clear — although his agent Mina Raiola recently cast doubt over a potential departure. European giants Madrid and Juve have both shown interest.
Another player yet to sign fresh terms is goalkeeper David De Gea, although MEN Sport understands the Spaniard has agreed a new deal with an announcement imminent to remain at the club with close friend Mata.
"David is the best goalkeeper in the world and one of my best friends so I want him to stay," added Mata on his fellow countryman.
"On a professional level, it would be great if he stays because he will give us many points over the next season, so I'm very happy if he stays."
