Manchester United: Paul Pogba absent from training with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's permission

Want-away midfielder granted extra time on holiday after long season

Paul Pogba is yet to return to training with Manchester United because he has been granted extra time off by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The midfielder’s long-term Old Trafford future is in doubt after he admitted his desire for “a new challenge” last month.

Most of United’s players returned to training at Carrington this week ahead of the new campaign, with Pogba one of a handful absent.

But the 26-year-old has Solskjaer’s permission to remain on holiday, having made three 90-minute appearances for France during the June international break.

Pogba made more starts than any other outfield United player last season, playing from the off 45 times in total, and that after winning the World Cup with France the previous summer.

United fully expect Pogba to travel with the squad on the pre-season tour of Australia and south-east Asia. Solskjaer and his players fly to Perth on Sunday.

Real Madrid and Juventus both retain an interest in Pogba, though United are adamant that their record signing will not be allowed to leave.

The Old Trafford club are under no pressure to sell, with Pogba effectively has three years remaining on his current contract.