Manchester United are hopeful the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo could convince Paul Pogba to commit his future to the club.
The feeling at hierarchical level at United is the return of Ronaldo is such a compelling statement of intent that it may persuade Pogba to stay.
Pogba, 28, has entered the last year of his contract and would be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs in the January transfer window, unless he agrees a new deal with United before then.
Ronaldo, 36, has become United's highest earner on £480,000-a-week, with David de Gea second on £375,000-a-week. Pogba is on £295,000-a-week.
Pogba has still not shown any concrete interest in signing a new United contract but the club now have more time to pitch to Pogba that he would not be wasting the last competitive years of his career at the club.
United have not won a trophy since Pogba's first season back in 2016-17 and have gone four seasons without any silverware.
When asked about Ronaldo's return to United, Pogba said: “Everybody knows [what he brings]. He’s already a legend at this club and he is coming back.
"Obviously, it’s good for us, he’s going to bring his experience and quality. When he comes, the level goes up. We’re really pleased he’s coming and the most important thing today was the win so that when he comes we keep this winning mentality and keep going.”
Pogba's agent Mino Raiola said last December Pogba's United career was 'over' and outlined his intention to engineer a transfer in the summer window.
Raiola initially attempted to move Pogba in the 2019 summer window but United did not receive an acceptable offer. The Covid-19 pandemic effectively scuppered a departure in the last two summer windows due to the financial impact on elite clubs.
