Ivan Rakitic to Man Utd? Transfer from Barcelona unlikely as United put trust in settled Paul Pogba

Interest cooled: Rakitic was seen as a potential replacement for Pogba
EPA

Manchester United are so confident Paul Pogba is once again settled at Old Trafford that they have cooled interest in Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic.

The Croatia international was seen as a potential replacement for Pogba at the height of the uncertainty surrounding the club’s record signing last summer.

But the sacking of Jose Mourinho in December, followed by United’s resurgence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has eased fears the France international will demand a move at the end of the season.

Pogba has been made central to Solskjaer’s plans – and the interim manager will seek to build a team around the £89m midfielder once he is given the job on a permanent basis.

United always maintained the 25-year-old was not for sale at any price, despite his deteriorating relationship with Mourinho.

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Pogba did little quell speculation about his future after public fall outs with his former manager – repeatedly refusing to rule out moves amid links to Barcelona.

His brother, Mathias, recently confirmed the World Cup winner’s desire to quit United due to issues with Mourinho.

He told Telefoot: “Did Paul think about leaving because of Mourinho? Of course.”

But such talk has been consigned to the past as Pogba has rediscovered his finest form under Solskjaer – scoring nine goals in 16 games since being given the freedom to play to his strengths.

United are understood to be in no rush to begin negotiations over a new deal for the player, with David de Gea’s contract the current priority. But they are convinced he sees his future at Old Trafford – and are no longer considering alternatives if forced to sell.

That has seen them pull away from thoughts of a move for Rakitic, who they looked at closely last summer.

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The 31-year-old’s own future is under scrutiny after Barca secured the signing of Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who will move to the Nou Camp at the end of the season.

A host of Europe’s leading clubs are monitoring Rakitic’s situation, but he is determined to stay with the Catalan giants.

Sources close to him believe his relationship with manager Ernesto Valverde will prevent him from being pushed out of the club. But if forced to leave, it is believed Inter Milan would be his preferred option.

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