MANCHESTER: Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has said that “there will always be talk” amid ongoing speculation about his future at the club.
The France international fell out of favor at Old Trafford last season and was linked with a return to his former club Juventus, and even a big-money move to Barcelona during the summer.
On Wednesday, Pogba further fueled rumors of his leaving when he said: “Who knows what will happen in the next few months.”
However, on Thursday, he said: “It’s not me who’s talking. I’m trying to do my job and work on myself physically.”
The World Cup winner was speaking either side of France’s 0-0 draw with Germany in their opening Uefa Nations League match on Thursday.
When asked if he was “fed up” with all the speculation, Pogba said: “I got back late (from the World Cup), so I’m trying to perform as well as possible.”
When asked if his relationship with United manager Jose Mourinho had soured, he added: “We have a pure coach-player relationship, that’s right.
“One thing I can assure you, I will always give 100% — no matter which coach I always give everything for United. I cannot say more.”
The former United youth player returned to the club after four years with Juventus, signing for a then world record £89m fee in 2016.
He was made captain for the opening two games of this year’s Premier League season in the absence of Antonio Valencia and has scored two goals so far.
Paul Pogba quells speculation about Manchester United future
Paul Pogba quells speculation about Manchester United future
ILT20 season 4 set for blockbuster finish as playoffs begin
- The playoffs begin on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, where Desert Vipers will face MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 for a direct berth in the final
DUBAI: The International League T20’s fourth season has reached the playoff stage, with the final four confirmed after Abu Dhabi Knight Riders sealed the last spot with a 32-run win over Gulf Giants.
The playoffs begin on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, where Desert Vipers will face MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 for a direct berth in the final.
The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will then take on defending champions Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator in Dubai on Thursday. The winner will advance to Qualifier 2 in Sharjah to meet the loser of Qualifier 1 to determine the second spot in the final, set for Jan. 4 at Dubai International Stadium.
The Vipers topped the league stage with eight wins, including a historic Super Over victory against Gulf Giants.
Key contributors include Max Holden (318 runs), Sam Curran (285 runs, seven wickets), and bowlers Khuzaima Tanveer (14 wickets) and David Payne (12 wickets).
MI Emirates, who secured second place with a late-season five-match winning streak, are evenly matched against the Vipers historically, with four wins apiece.
UAE star Muhammad Waseem (293 runs) has been a standout performer.
Reigning champions Capitals finished the league stage with five wins and five losses, led by bowlers Waqar Salamkheil (17 wickets) and Mustafizur Rahman (15 wickets), and batsmen Jordan Cox (311 runs) and Shayan Jahangir (302 runs).
The Knight Riders, making only their second playoff appearance, will face a Capitals side that has won eight of nine previous encounters between the two. Ajay Kumar (15 wickets) has been their top bowler this season.
The ILT20 carries a total prize pool of over $1 million, with $700,000 for the champions and $300,000 for the runners-up.
