Why Manchester United should consider swapping Paul Pogba for Aaron Ramsey
According to a report from Calciomercato (h/t Express), Juventus have decided to sell Aaron Ramsey if they are able to sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United. They are willing to use the Welshman in a potential swap deal to bring back the Frenchman this summer.
Ramsey came through the youth ranks at Cardiff City. It is no secret that Manchester United tried to sign him in 2008, but he joined Arsenal instead. After having endured an injury-ridden spell with the Gunners early in his career, the Welshman grew into one of their most important players in recent years.
Ramsey went on to make 371 appearances for Arsenal, scoring and assisting 65 goals apiece. The 29-year-old left the North London outfit last summer, joining Juventus on a free transfer.
Having signed for the Bianconeri, Ramsey had a difficult initiation period in Italy due to injuries. But prior to the suspension of football, the Welshman was showing signs of getting back to his best. Till date, he played 24 times in 2019/20, scoring four goals and assisting one.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have recovered from a dismal start to the 2019/20 campaign. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were on an 11-game unbeaten run before football was suspended due to coronavirus.
Manchester United’s midfield was a big issue for the club last season, but things have improved significantly this time out. Fred, after a disappointing debut season, has been in fine form this term, while the addition of Bruno Fernandes in January has worked wonders for the team.
With Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba also in team, things look fine for United’s midfield.
The Paul Pogba conundrum
Pogba’s future continues to be a problem for the 20-time English champions. The midfielder tried to force through an exit last summer but was denied a move. His agent Mino Raiola though, has been drumming up speculations again.
This has seen Pogba get linked with an exit again, as Juventus and Real Madrid are interested in signing him. Moreover, Juve are willing to offer Ramsey as part of the deal to sign the Frenchman. (h/t Express).
Pogba came through the youth ranks at Manchester United, before leaving for Juventus in 2012. The midfielder returned to Old Trafford in 2016, in a club-record £89m deal. Pogba enjoyed huge success upon his return, helping United to a Carabao Cup and Europa League double.
However, it has been pretty much downhill for the £290k-a-week star ever since. While there have been glimpses of his brilliance scattered here and there, off-field issues have dominated the headlines more often than not.
Pogba’s falling out with former manager Jose Mourinho was well-publicized, while Mino Raiola has been involved in a war of words with Solskjaer now. While his talent cannot be questioned, these problems are persistent. Hence, the club should consider cutting off ties with him this summer.
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In exchange, they stand to sign Ramsey, who is a proven commodity in England and Europe. He has plenty of experience at the highest level and is in his prime years.
Verdict
Pogba, though extremely talented, carries a lot of baggage and distraction, which has seemingly prohibited him from fulfilling his potential at Manchester United. Hence, it makes sense for the club to offload him this summer and bring in Ramsey. Despite being a couple of years older than Pogba, Ramsey would bring value to the squad with his experience and pedigree.
