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MARTIN SAMUEL: If Manchester United are smart, they should cut their losses on Paul Pogba... they have never had the same player who is so good for France in five years of trying

It's the time of year for hardy annuals. Ladybird poppies, nasturtiums, helip-terum, Paul Pogba's agent negotiating a contract with a club he doesn't play for.

Every year, without fail. Roses should be as easy to cultivate.

This time, it is Paris Saint-Germain. Mino Raiola is out there calculating how much Pogba should receive after a transfer that hasn't taken place, to a club that hasn't bought him, for participation in matches that would constitute a breach of contract if he put so much as one toe on the pitch.

If Manchester United are smart, they should cut their losses on Paul Pogba this summer

Recent history suggests the fee for this will be measured in tens of millions.