Paul Pogba has been told he will be a Manchester United player next season, despite the Frenchman’s desire to join Real Madrid.

United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is determined to keep hold of the club’s record signing – even after Pogba publicly stated his intention to leave.

The £89m midfielder used a promotional tour of Japan to begin the process of trying to secure his Old Trafford.

He has been forced to declare his desire to move after learning of United’s refusal to even entertain bids for him this summer.

With two years left on his contract and the option of an additional 12 months, Woodward is in complete control of Pogba’s future and under no pressure to sell.

But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is unlikely to want to keep hold of an unhappy player as he embarks on a major overhaul of his squad.

As such, the France international’s comments in Tokyo on Sunday will be of serious concern to United’s manager.

He said: “For me I have been for three years in Manchester and have been doing great - some good moments and some bad moments, like everybody. Like everywhere else.

“After this season and everything that happened this season, with my season being my best season as well... I think for me it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else.

“I am thinking of this: to have a new challenge somewhere else.”

In pictures: Paul Pogba signs for Manchester United 8 show all In pictures: Paul Pogba signs for Manchester United 1/8 Arrival Paul Pogba lands in Manchester. John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images 2/8 Carrington The France international enters Manchester United's training ground. John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images 3/8 Poses Pogba strikes a pose in Manchester United's home shirt. Paul Cooper/Man Utd via Getty Images 4/8 All smiles The 23-year-old has a bit of fun while on his photoshoot. Manchester United via Getty Images 5/8 Signing Pogba signs his Manchester United contract... John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images 6/8 Filming ...before undertaking some work in front of the camera. John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images 7/8 Double trouble Pogba meets his lookalike. John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images 8/8 Interview The midfielder gives his first Manchester United interview. John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images 1/8 Arrival Paul Pogba lands in Manchester. John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images 2/8 Carrington The France international enters Manchester United's training ground. John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images 3/8 Poses Pogba strikes a pose in Manchester United's home shirt. Paul Cooper/Man Utd via Getty Images 4/8 All smiles The 23-year-old has a bit of fun while on his photoshoot. Manchester United via Getty Images 5/8 Signing Pogba signs his Manchester United contract... John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images 6/8 Filming ...before undertaking some work in front of the camera. John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images 7/8 Double trouble Pogba meets his lookalike. John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images 8/8 Interview The midfielder gives his first Manchester United interview. John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

It’s understood Pogba is expected to report for pre-season training at the start of July.

But Solskjaer wants his squad for next season to be in place for United’s pre-season tour to Australia and the Far East – meaning the 26-year-old’s future will need to be resolved by then.

Zinedine Zidane wants him to be part of his rebuild at Real, which has already seen the Spanish giants lure Eden Hazard away from Chelsea.

It’s believed United would want in excess of £130m if they were to reluctantly accept Pogba’s decision to leave.

While they have remained determined to keep hold of him – with Solskjaer even considering him as captain material – United have already begun the process of identifying replacements.

Monaco’s Youri Tielemans and Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen are both under consideration.

Leicester’s James Maddison is another attacking midfielder to have caught Solskjaer’s eye, while United are among a queue of clubs tracking Benfica starlet Joao Felix.

But the prospect of replacing Pogba is an unwanted headache for Solskjaer, who already has a major rebuild on his hands.

The Norwegian completed his first signing as manager last week, with Daniel James moving from Swansea in a deal that could be worth up to £22m.

He also wants Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and Sean Longstaff.

The intention was to recruit two midfielders, even before the prospect of Pogba’s potential departure.

Should he join Real, Solskjaer would almost certainly look to bring in a third midfielder, while supporters and investors would demand a marquee signing.