Blow for Manchester United as star looks to confirm impending departure

Manchester United travel to Brentford on Wednesday evening knowing that a convincing win could lift them as high as fifth. 

The Red Devils currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, but victory over the Bees would see them leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur and go level on points with Arsenal, who have a superior goal difference.

Ralf Rangnick has endured an inconsistent start to his first venture into English football, having won three of the German’s six league matches in charge.

Draws with both Aston Villa and Newcastle United and a defeat to Wolves, however, have triggered criticism of the former RB Leipzig man and his is now under pressure to turn things around.

The Red Devils have been dealt a blow ahead of the match, however, as Paul Pogba has reportedly told the club that he wants to leave to join Real Madrid this summer.

Pogba’s much talked about future finally looks decided

As per The Daily Star, the Frenchman has made clear his intentions of leaving when his contract expires in the summer, and Rangnick will not stand in his way.

Pogba has been subject of speculation surrounding his future for several seasons now, although a move has never materialised.

Now, however, with the expiry of his current deal fast approaching, it appears that he is set to call time on his second spell with the club.

The World Cup winner rejoined United from Juventus for £89 million in 2016 but has failed to impress regularly for the club, and has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe.

Rangnick has made a surprise statement in the wake of the reports, admitting that Pogba will be allowed to use United to showcase his abilities in an attempt to secure a move in the summer.

“My contract as manager is also up in the summer,” Rangnick said.

“For us we have the same goal. We have the same ambition, to be as successful as we possible can in the next three or four months.

“For me it’s not a question if a player has an expiring contract, the question is how much does he still want to be a part of this group, how much does he still feel emotionally and physically on board.”

The 28-year-old is set to return to the United squad on Wednesday for the first time in ten weeks having suffered a thing injury.