Ferguson explains Sneijder snub
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed a transfer fear over the future of young starlet Paul Pogba is one of the major reasons why he has turned his back on Wesley Sneijder.
The Manchester United manager has maintained a consistent stance on Sneijder since he flew out to the USA last month at the start of his club's three-week tour, namely he was not interested in a deal. There has been evidence to the contrary, with chief executive David Gill hinting there had been discussions at some stage.
"The young boy Pogba is showing great promise," said Ferguson. "We are quite positive about him. If we hold him back, what is going to happen? He will leave in a couple of years' time when his contract has finished.
He added: "We have to give him the opportunity to see how he will do in the first team. He has great ability. He has the physique and athleticism. He is a possibility.
"We have Darren Fletcher to come back and Michael Carrick tends to develop more from November onwards, so when you take that roll call of players, I am not looking to add to it.
"I have been saying it for weeks. Everyone has been writing differently. We are just carrying on with our business.
"You can forget anyone you like. I am happy with the young players I have got."
Pogba signed as a 16-year-old from Le Havre in 2009, the tall midfielder has made a big impression at Old Trafford and was part of the side that lifted the FA Youth Cup last season.
Ferguson does not need any reminding that Gerard Pique and Guiseppe Rossi made a similar impact on their arrivals from Spain and Italy respectively but eventually left, frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities.
Rossi has now won 24 caps for Italy and is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, whilst Pique was part of the Barcelona side that defeated United in two Champions League finals over the past three years, their dominance split by Spain's World Cup final win over Holland, in which the defender also had a central role.
