Zlatan to United: Sell Pogba, replace him with ‘someone who wants to stay’

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says United should let Paul Pogba leave the club if he wants to go. [Courtesy]

Former Manchester United superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic told Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to let Paul Pogba leave and replace him with ‘someone who wants to stay’ at the club.

Spanish side Real Madrid have been looking to boost their squad with the addition of Pogba at £150million (Sh19 billion) before the 2019 summer transfer window closes.

Old Trafford chiefs are demanding £180m (Sh23 billion) - and Pogba's former team-mate insists they are not doing themselves any favours.

"I think if he doesn't want to stay, it makes no sense to keep him.

"You let him go and if he wants to be somewhere else, that is where you let him go to - use the situation and bring in somebody who wants to stay,” Ibrahimovic told BBC.

He added: "The dressing is more about the players' respect each other. They're professionals and understand each other's situation. Who worries more is the club and the management.

"You don't want a player in your club or in your team that doesn't want to stay, because then you know he will not give 100 or 200 per cent, or he does that and still doesn't want to stay.

"It's a tricky situation and the best is what is best for the club. That is what you have to look at."

Paul Pogba started on the bench in United’s 1-0 against Kristiansund BK. [Courtesy]

Solskjaer reiterated his faith in Pogba on Wednesday by stating that a Manchester United eleven without him isn’t the first team.

The France international started on the bench in United’s 1-0 against Kristiansund BK with Solskjaer otherwise fielding a strong starting eleven.

However, when asked if that side was his first-choice team, the Norweigian said it couldn’t be without Pogba.

“I think when Paul Pogba does not start, I think you know it is not the first 11. We have got a strong squad and I feel that there is not too big a difference when we make the subs (substitutions). So, of course, we are going to have to find the right balance,” Solskjaer said.

Another United legend Wayne Rooney has backed the club's pursuit of Harry Maguire and claimed the Leicester star would “a good signing” for the Red Devils.

Negotiations between the two sides have dragged on for weeks as Leicester are sticking to their £80million (Sh10 billion) valuation of Maguire.

A transfer between Manchester United and Leicester City seems destined to happen before the August 8 closing of this summer's window. [Courtesy]