Paul Pogba shocked Manchester United staff and teammates alike, by failing to turn up for a scheduled team flight to Wales, ahead of Saturday’s friendly against AC Milan, according to the Daily Mail.

The France midfielder has been agitating for a move to Real Madrid all summer, publicly stating his desire to quit Old Trafford.

Pogba suffered a back spasm earlier this week, which saw him miss the final training session ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Kristiansund.

But the 26-year-old was deemed fit enough to be able to make a 30-minute appearance as a second half substitute.

United claim Pogba again suffered a recurrence in training on Friday, ruling him out of the match against Milan in South Wales.

But it is understood that the 26-year-old staged a no-show, in a late attempt to force his club’s hand and sanction a move to Madrid.