Manchester United transfer news: Jose Mourinho confirms 'one more' signing but plays down Paul Pogba speculation
Mourinho said he expects to sign one more player but refused to talk directly about Pogba despite a £112m record
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jose Mourinho has reiterated his desire for his final signing of the summer to be completed by next Friday, with Manchester United set to ramp up their pursuit of Paul Pogba in an effort to see him return to the club before the start of the Premier League season.
United take on Leicester City this Sunday in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium in the annual curtain-raiser to the English season, although the possibility of Pogba signing for United before the match is reducing as each day goes by.
The Juventus midfielder has enjoyed a post-Euro 2016 holiday in the United States while the transfer saga has unfolded, with reports of an agreed deal and rival interest from Real Madrid failing to formalise.
Mourinho spoke to the media after Wayne Rooney’s testimonial on Wednesday night – which saw a drab 0-0 draw play out between United and Everton in a match that raised £5m for charity – and while he refused to directly talk about his move for Pogba, he did confirm that there will be one more addition to the squad before the transfer window closes.
"We are going to sign one more player for sure,” Mourinho told BT Sport. “I don't want to speak about Paul (Pogba) because he is a Juventus player and I don't like other managers to speak about my players. I don't speak about their players.
"But the reality is we are going to sign one more player. The market closes, as you know, August 31 so we have plenty of time to do that, but I'd like to do it before the Premier League starts."
Pogba has thrown the move into doubt though after appearing to confirm to Juventus fans that he will remain with the Serie A champions this season, although the France international has been mocking the transfer reports along with his agent, Mino Raiola, via their social media accounts in recent weeks.
With United stepping up their pre-season plans in their final friendly this weekend before facing Bournemouth in their Premier League opener, Mourinho has the chance to win his first trophy as United manager, although the Community Shield does represent one of the minor trophies on offer throughout the campaign.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments