Paul Pogba: Juventus midfielder signs Manchester United shirt for fan in Los Angeles

The midfielder dropped yet another hint that he is nearing a return to Old Trafford

Saturday 30 July 2016 14:00

Pogba and Perkins posing for a picture in Los Angeles

(Instagram / @jonathanperk)

Paul Pogba has indicated that his long-drawn-out move to Manchester United is nearing completion by signing a fan’s shirt.

Jonathan Perkins, who was celebrating his 18th birthday while wearing a new United jersey with ‘Pogba 6’ printed on the back, spotted the France international in Los Angeles on Friday.

Perkins asked him for an autograph and, despite the fact that his return to Old Trafford is yet to be confirmed, Pogba obliged.

“So this just happened! (Probably the first United jersey he has signed since the impending transfer),” Perkins wrote on his Instagram account.

“Thanks @paulpogba for making my 18th birthday a little more special!”

Pogba has regularly dropped hints regarding his future on his own Instagram account this summer.

On Saturday, the 23-year-old posted two pictures of himself at Universal Studios, each with a playful caption.

“Breaking news: Pogba undergoes medical check in Universal Studios amusement park California,” read the first.

Manchester United's best XI with Paul Pogba

Show all 11

1/11Manchester United's best XI with Paul Pogba

Has been Manchester United’s best player for the last four or five seasons and, after having a move to Real Madrid collapse last summer he is now more important than ever. He saved United repeatedly under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal and will hope under Jose Mourinho that there is less to do.

Getty

A good player whose first season at Old Trafford was badly affected by injuries, Darmian should improve next year under the guidance of Mourinho. He has played for a similarly prescriptive coach for Italy in Antonio Conte and will provide exactly what Mourinho wants in the role.

Getty

One of United’s most improved players under Louis van Gaal, he established a leadership and consistency that he had lacked before. Now he is near the peak of his powers and gives Mourinho someone to build around at the back.

Getty

The first of Mourinho’s summer signings, the £30million man from Villarreal has looked good in pre-season already. Will need to adjust to the speed of the Premier League but looks well equipped to do that and form a strong pairing with Smalling.

Getty

Had his last season ruined by a broken leg against PSV Eindhoven and without him United lacked pace and width down the left. Mourinho will like his competitive attitude and Shaw will surely feature in Sam Allardyce’s England squads soon enough.

Getty

Mourinho teams always have a midfield anchor, what he calls a ‘number 6’, and there is no-one better suited to the job at United now than Schneiderlin. Did not play as much as he should have done last year but that should change now.

Getty

The big issue for Mourinho will be where to fit in the £100million man. There will be times when he plays alongside Schneiderlin in a 4-2-3-1, when United can afford to attack more, and others where he is pushed further up with two midfielders behind him. Finding the perfect platform will be Mourinho’s hardest task.

Getty

Not the highest profile summer signing at Old Trafford but a technical wizard who excelled in his three seasons at Borussia Dortmund, which is why Arsenal wanted him too. Likelier to be on the right of a 4-2-3-1, where he will provide creativity and intelligence.

Getty

Mourinho said very clearly that Rooney will not play in midfield this season for United, so he will have to partner with Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front. Rooney will likely start as a second striker or number 10, but has a job to prove that he is still sharp enough for the job.

Getty

Never looked weighed down by his fee last season and showed pace, class and natural calm in front of goal. Likely to continue on the left this season where he will provide pace on the break, as long as he does the defending Mourinho demands too.

Getty

One final challenge for the big Swede who has won the league everywhere else he has played. Still has incredible strength and skill, even if he will be one of the slower strikers at the top this year. Just needs to find a way to be a focal point for his team-mates.

Getty

“News: we catch Pogba with his contract in Universal Studios LA amusement park,” he added to the other.

Pogba’s move from Juventus is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Join our new commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies