Manchester United vs FC Astana: Paul Pogba departure wouldn’t be a ‘big loss’, says Paul Scholes

The former Machester United midfielder does not think Pogba would be missed at Old Trafford

Paul Scholes does not think Paul Pogba would be a big loss to Manchester United were the Frenchman to depart Old Trafford.

Pogba returned to United in 2016 from Juventus and has polarised since, and has been continuously linked with a move to another European super-club - PSG, Real Madrid and Barcelona are all believed to have made initial enquiries about the midfielder.

And Scholes does not think his former side would miss the Frenchman were he to leave.

“I think it’s quite clear he wants to leave the club,” Scholes told talkSPORT.

“He wanted to move to Real Madrid [in the summer] and for whatever reason it didn’t happen.

“If they ask him to stay for a year then we’ll see what happens. But I don’t think it will be a big loss to United [if he does go].”

Pogba, who is currently struggling with an ankle injury, was signed for a world record fee in 2016 but is generally perceived to have disappointed since re-signing with United.

The midfielder has both scored and assisted relatively frequently, but has been criticised for his work rate and lack of clarity over his role in midfield.

Scholes thinks the 26-year-old could be easily replaced.

“At the end of the day his form hasn’t been great anyway over the last three years he’s been there.

“I’m sure there’s more players there who can step in and do just as good a job.”