Paul Pogba may have refuelled his desire to leave Manchester United – but it has strengthened his impact in the dressing room.
The Frenchman was part of the Red Devils side that were humiliated 6-1 by Tottenham earlier this month.
And the £89m midfielder only waited five days before expressed his “dream” of playing for Real Madrid, leading to speculation of an exit.
It has seen the 27-year-old suffer criticism from pundits, with Jan-Aage Fjortoft saying Pogba should "shut up and do something on the pitch”.
But Manchester Evening News have reported that it has only helped to strengthen the Frenchman’s position in the United dressing room.
Sources at the club said that the Frenchman is “highly regarded” by players and staff – and this has not waned in light of his Madrid comments.
The players also believe he is the “best at the club”, regarded also as one of the popular figures in the dressing room.
Pogba expressed his desire to play for Los Blancos while on international duty at the World Cup winners’ Clairefontaine base.
He said in a press conference last week: “Today, I am still at Manchester United and I am fighting to try to take the club even higher.
"We have all heard these things that have been said.
“What to respond? Yes, all footballers would like to play for Real Madrid. Maybe it is a dream. It is a dream for me. Why not one day?
"As I have said, I am at Manchester United and I like my club. I am performing at Manchester United, I am enjoying myself and I want to do everything I can to get the club back to where it deserves to be.
“I am going to give my maximum, like my teammates. I prefer to concentrate on football and on returning to fitness."
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