This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
Manchester United players returned to Carrington for their first day of pre-season training on Monday, but Paul Pogba was noticeably absent.
According to reports, Pogba was in America over the weekend, training privately with a coach in the gym and at the New York Red Bull stadium.
He was not back in Manchester the following day, and Mirror Sport understands that United players will initially undergo individual physical tests spread across different days, with Pogba not due in with Monday's group.
Other notable absentees included Marcus Rashford, David de Gea, and Alexis Sanchez, who is currently in Copa America action.
Recent reports have suggested that Pogba could try to push through an exit before the team heads to Australia for their pre-season tour in less than a fortnight.
Manchester United are reportedly holding out for at least £150m before considering letting Pogba go, and have contingency plans in place with a shortlist of potential replacements reportedly including Christian Eriksen, James Maddison, and Youri Tielemans.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have launched a formal bid for their Paul Pogba alternative, Donny van de Beek, who is attracting interest from several clubs around Europe.
On a more positive note, Manchester United have been boosted by Marcus Rashford agreeing a new long-term contract extension, securing his Old Trafford future after links to Barcelona.
Rashford has agreed a new four-year deal worth £200,000-a-week.
