Ferdinand leads Old Trafford lobby to persuade Pogba to stay at United



Paul Pogba could make his European debut for Manchester United on Thursday after Rio Ferdinand emerged as a key figure in efforts to convince the highly-rated French midfielder to stay at Old Trafford.



Sir Alex Ferguson warned Pogba not to let greed get in the way of a bright future in December when he confirmed that the 18-year-old and his representatives were stalling over a new contract amid reports of interest from Manchester City and Arsenal.



But the situation is believed to have improved considerably since then, with the teenager responding well to Ferdinand's intervention and advice.



United front: Concerted efforts being made to persuade Pogba to stay

Pogba has been on the bench for United's last five games – making an impressive Premier League debut against Stoke last month – and may be given his first taste of European action at Old Trafford tomorrow night with United leading Ajax 2-0 from the first leg of their Europa League tie.



Ferguson said: 'Rio has become an important figure at the club. He is good with the young players.



'At the moment, he's working hard on the boy Pogba and talking to him. The young boy is unsure, but Rio is well regarded by him.'

Ajax have been given an allocation of 3,900 for the game, but with another 1,000 fans expected to travel without tickets, Greater Manchester Police are on higher alert.



Leader: Ferdinand led United out at Ajax where they gained a valuable win

The match commander, Chief Supt Mark Roberts, said: 'Ajax have a trouble-making element just as some English clubs do.



'In Holland there were a lot more instances of United and Ajax fans drinking together peacefully. But there were instances of disorder and, if that happens here, we will act accordingly.'



United's debt dropped to £439million at the end of 2011, down £69m from 12 months earlier, according to the latest figures released by the club on Tuesday.



Fourth-choice goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak has joined Watford on loan until the end of the season.

