Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's handling of Paul Pogba's desire to leave Manchester United could define his tenure as manager of the club, says Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett.
The midfielder said last month he wants a "new challenge" after three years at OId Trafford, while his agent Mino Raiola told The Times last week he was "in the process" of arranging his client a transfer.
Solskjaer backed Pogba when asked about him on United's pre-season tour of Australia on Wednesday, and accused the media of having an "agenda" against the French international.
Discussing Pogba's future on The Transfer Show, Rob Dorsett said: "It's going to be really interesting to see how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deals with this.
"A senior source has said to me that how Solskjaer handles this issue could define his tenure as Manchester United manager.
"When he came in, he galvanised a squad that was in disarray. He brought a togetherness to that United squad that we hadn't seen for quite some time.
"But he's got a real issue; one of his star players, who wants to leave, speaking to the media. His agent is speaking to the media as well. How does Solskjaer deal with it?
"The way he's dealt with it so far has been to say 'Pogba's a really important player, he's a professional, it's everybody else's fault apart from Paul Pogba'.
"But if Pogba continues to agitate for a move, what does Solskjaer say behind the scenes? The senior source said to me, 'it's a key time for him - he can't be nice all the time'."
Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol added his thoughts on Pogba's situation at United, and disagreed with Solskjaer's belief of a media agenda against the 26-year-old.
He said: "It was Paul Pogba who came out and said that he felt it was time for him to leave Manchester United and time for a new challenge.
"It was his agent Mino Raiola who spoke to The Times, saying that Paul Pogba is going to leave and that he was working on a deal for him to go to a new club.
"This is not coming from the media - this is coming from Paul Pogba and his own agent."
Kaveh Solhekol also cast doubt on whether Real Madrid, who have already spent over £250m on new players this summer, could afford to sign Pogba.
"If United don't want to sell him, they will not sell him. United are saying he's not for sale and they've had no bids for him - they think they can ride this out," he said.
"Real Madrid - we haven't seen them make their move yet. If they are going to, it's going to be one of the biggest transfers ever; £150m. Do they have the money?"
wildcaterdo
62
It’s not an agenda when the player publicly said he wants to go
Jasimp
54
what many of us don't understand is that pogba is the only superstar player that we have in the team, and he is still the reason why united are still getting deals from Adidas if pogba should leave some of those people having deals with us will stop coming ok, or which star player do we have for now?
Cupkprty
53
Pogba is the best mid field in the world today and he was the best player in MU team in the last season . There is no doubt that MU would want to keep him. Other club that want his service must come up with £150 million cash but none of the club can afford it at the moment.
lumcdeltz
52
I don't Understand why the media keeps disturbing the peace over Paul Pogba.. If the media wants to buy Pogba they should put in a bid.. As far as we are concern there has been no official offer for Pogba.. Thaz it.. I don't understand.. Do u want Ole to beg Madrid or Juve to buy Pogba? Its never done..
fueaceou
45
Pogba does not want to leave. all he wants is to sign a new deal that will see him becoming the highest paid player in the premier league
Hgame
43
Lost all respect for OLE Gunnar. Thought he had more about him than this. Defending a mercenary like Pogba after he openly disrespects the club