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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Callum Vurley

Rio Ferdinand wants Man Utd to 'free' Paul Pogba amid Mino Raiola transfer storm

Rio Ferdinand is keen to let Manchester United "free" Paul Pogba on the pitch after the transfer storm caused by Mino Raiola.

On Monday evening, the controversial agent told Italian publication TuttoSport that the Frenchman is set to leave United.

"There's no point beating about the bush. It's better to speak out clearly, look forward and avoid wasting time to find culprits,” Raiola said.

"Paul is unhappy at Man Utd, he can't manage to express himself like he wants to and like people expect him to.

"He needs to change team, he needs a change of scenery.

"He has a contract that will expire in a year and a half, in the summer of 2022, but the best solution for all parties is a transfer in the next (summer) window."

Paul Pogba's agent has opened up over his future (PETER POWELL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

It has caused fury in the Old Trafford offices, with the claim coming less than 24 hours before arguably United's biggest game of the season.

They take on RB Leipzig in the Champions League with a point needed to secure passage to the later rounds.

But the focus will now be pointed at Pogba and not for the first time during his time at the Red Devils.

And Ferdinand is keen to see the France international given more of a free role in the United starting XI.

"I've got to give special mention to Pogba," he said.

"Free Pogba, please. The guy comes in, produces a very good performance and looked like something we were accustomed to seeing when he was in a Juve shirt or when he plays for France.

Should Man Utd sell Paul Pogba in the January transfer window? Have your say below

Pogba has rarely played for United this season (Pool via REUTERS)

"We've seen it sporadically over his career at Manchester United.

"That's what you want to see consistently.

"That's what I want to see week in, week out from Pogba."

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United's 3-1 win over West Ham at the weekend was Pogba's first start in the Premier League since a disastrous appearance against Arsenal on November 1.

On that day, the ex-Juventus star conceded a penalty that saw the Red Devils downed 1-0 but his display against the Hammers was much better.

Pogba grabbed the equalising goal that saw United go on to beat David Moyes' side with a beautifully struck effort from outside the box.

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