Paul Pogba to Manchester United: Fans worried Real Madrid will hijack deal as midfield star flies to New York City

MANCHESTER UNITED fans are worried Real Madrid will hijack a deal for Paul Pogba after the midfielder flew on a private jet to New York City.

After Pogba sent out a cryptic message that showed him on a plane, United fans had been optimistic that the 23-year-old was flying to Manchester to complete a deal.

But hope soon turned to dread as it was revealed the Juventus midfielder was on his way to the US – where Real Madrid have just arrived for the latest leg of their pre-season tour.

The 23-year-old is still expected to complete a world record move to Old Trafford, which could cost United £226million in total, from Juventus this week.

Real Madrid being in the same city is believed to be purely coincidence.

Manager Jose Mourinho and transfer chief Ed Woodward are hopeful the deal will be done before the Community Shield clash with Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

But United fans are worried.

A cryptic message from the French star had United fans gloating that a deal with close late on Monday night.

Pictured sitting on a private jet, Pogba wrote: “I want to run, I want to dribble, I want to play football. “Thinking of football #holidays#footballislife”

In another message he wrote: “Allah is the greatest”.

United fans believed that Pogba would be flying to Manchester Airport to complete a medical.

However, after it was revealed Pogba was on his way to New York City, that optimism was replaced by fear.

Los Blancos are currently in the Big Apple as part of their pre-season tour ahead of the new season.

Zinedine Zidane was pictured at the top of the Empire State Building ahead of the friendly with Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.

United players seem to expect Pogba to join the Mourinho revolution, while the midfielder the No 6 shirt has been left open for the midfielder.

Club captain Wayne Rooney said he was looking forward to Pogba’s return.

“I hope he is going to want to return to United and prove he’s a top-class player.

“If he is excited to play for us, we’ll be excited to have him back.

“I’m sure he’ll feel there is unfinished business, and it would be a very big statement by the club if they can make it happen.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic had previously stated: “It looks very interesting.

“Let’s see if Pogba will also (come), then it will be even more interesting.

“We have something big going on.”