With just one year left on his Old Trafford contract, Paul Pogba may finally be on his way out of the club.
He has wanted to leave since the days of Jose Mourinho but with the clock ticking down on his deal, and with no immediate prospect of an extension, his departure feels almost inevitable.
A move away will conclude a largely fruitless spell at Old Trafford. Pogba never consistently lived up to the hype and anticipation with which he arrived.
His performances have been frustrating especially in stark contrast to his spellbinding form at international level for France.
Pogba's departure will not only cease the frustration, but it could also be an opportunity for some of United 's youngsters to secure promotion into the first team.
A void is now there to be filled, and the likes of James Garner and Hannibal Mejbri have a real shot at catching Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's eye and earn more minutes in the first team.
Garner was impressive on-loan in the Championship last season and is being courted by several EFL clubs. However, in Pogba's absence he could forge himself a sporadic role in the first team and potentially learn more from being a member of Solskjaer's squad training than another spell in the second tier.
Similarly, Mejbri is currently regarded as one of the brightest midfield prospects at the club. The Tunisian international has been likened to Pogba in the past and his creative flair is certainly reminiscent of the Frenchman at his best.
Solskjaer could save millions by throwing the youngster in at the deep-end and continuing United's tradition of promoting youth players.
The 18-year-old has already made his debut for the club in the Premier League, and while physically he may still need some time to adapt to adult football, in terms of game intelligence and technique he has already stood out in the first team, especially in the recent friendly with Derby County.
Prior to United's first pre-season game Solskjaer opened up the opportunity for young players to catch his eye.
“I think they can impress me, I’m sure they will try to,” the United manager told MUTV ahead of the game.
“Young kids when they get a chance, they’re there because they’re good players now it’s seeing who can handle playing with the senior ones and who can fit in with the group."
Pogba's departure will open up an even bigger opportunity for Mejbri. The best players seize their chance. Opportunities like this are the best way to discover a player's mettle. Whether Garner and Mejbri can grab their chance, only time will tell.
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