Paul Pogba ‘has concerns about playing for Man United against Crystal Palace over fan backlash’

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has concerns about playing in their season-ending game against Crystal Palace – which could be his last match for the club – over fears of a fan backlash.

Pogba is widely expected to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires next month, with Juventus and PSG heavily linked with a free transfer swoop for the French World Cup winner.

His return to his boyhood club has not gone to plan and he has received stern criticism from fans and pundits over his under-par displays over the years, and last month he was booed twice by supporters – after United’s 3-2 win over Norwich and when he was subbed during their 4-0 loss against Liverpool. 

Man United midfielder Paul Pogba may snub the chance to play in their last game of the season

Pogba is concerned he may be targeted by fans in United’s trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday

The 29-year-old, who has been recovering from a calf injury and has an outside chance of being selected for the trip to Selhurst Park, has reservations about the prospect of featuring against the Eagles over fears he could be targeted again, according to ESPN.

That game against Liverpool – where Pogba limped out due to the calf injury – was the last time he featured for the Red Devils, and could be his last ever game if he decides not to play on the final day this Sunday.

Pogba is yet to make a decision on his future, the report claims, despite reports from Italy suggesting Juventus chiefs were lining him up as part of their squad revamp. 

Pogba was booed twice last month and is widely expected to leave on a free transfer in June

Meanwhile, PSG are understood to be readying a lucrative pay package worth around £10million per season for the Frenchman.

Juventus have also started talks with Pogba, according to Gazetta dello Sport. 

Turin is where Pogba announced himself on the world stage and he would be comfortable returning to a club he knows well, and club chiefs have already started talks with the player and his agent that have ‘begun positively’. 

Pogba is linked with a return to Juventus, where he announced himself on the world stage

However, the club still have a ‘significant economic difference’ on salary with the French international, with PSG in a stronger position.

Pogba has played 216 times for the Red Devils in his second stint, scoring 39 times. 

This season he has one goal and nine assists in 27 appearances. His only trophies were the EFL Cup in 2016-17 and the Europa League the same season.

At Juventus, he was a sensation – helping to win four Serie A titles in four seasons as he scored 34 times in 178 games, racking up 40 assists.