Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes his former club should end their association with Paul Pogba amid the nature of the comments from his representative. Pogba’s contract was initially due to expire at the end of the current campaign, but United exercised a clause to prolong his stay for another 12 months.

Despite this, the speculation over the midfielder’s future has not ceased and super-agent Mino Raiola recently said that his client’s career with the Red Devils is over. This has infuriated Ferdinand, who believes the club should put an end to the needless saga, he told BT Sport: “I think the timing is disgusting from a player’s agent, an important player at the club’s agent.

“I’m going to shift the focus more to Manchester United – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ed Woodward probably as well. How are you allowing an agent coming in and talking like this? Nip it in the bud. This isn’t the first time Mino Raiola has spoken about a player and pushed the focus on Manchester United. Nip it in the bud.”

Pogba has been with the Red Devils for the past four-and-a-half seasons and his performances have divided opinion. The midfielder has come up with some standout displays, but they have been few and far between which has led to criticism from some supporters. He will enter the final year of his contract next summer and so far, there has been no contract negotiations held.

Juventus have not made any approach to re-sign the midfielder, but a number of the club’s hierarchy have talked up the prospect of a summer move. Pogba was valued at more than £100m at one stage, but United may have to accept a significantly lesser value next summer, considering his contract situation. Real Madrid are also deemed to be monitoring the developments.