Manchester United finds itself at the center of speculation surrounding the potential return of Paul Pogba. The French midfielder, currently a free agent after the termination of his contract with Juventus following a doping ban, has been the subject of intense discussions since it was revealed his suspension was reduced from four years to just eighteen months. Pogba is set to be eligible for play again this March, leading to varied opinions about whether he is destined for another stint at Old Trafford.
Louis Saha, former Manchester United striker, has recently voiced his support for Pogba's return, stating, "If Paul Pogba is available, believe me, I would love to see him back at United at this moment in time. That’s how good he is." Saha’s enthusiasm highlights Pogba's extraordinary talent and the excitement he could bring back to the club. He draws parallels between Pogba and formidable players like Neymar, acknowledging Pogba's ability to leave a lasting impact on the game when fit and firing.
Pogba has not played professionally for eighteen months, and his ban from football is expected to conclude shortly. Originally facing severe consequences for testing positive for DHEA, Pogba appealed his lengthy suspension and managed to have it significantly reduced. Post-reduction, he agreed to part ways with Juventus, making him one of the most talked-about free agents currently available.
Despite Saha’s fervent support, the road back to Manchester United appears winding. Reports indicate there are no active negotiations, and reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano has stated, "Reports of Paul Pogba set to train at Manchester United’s Carrington are not true. Pogba is not planning to train at any club as he’s working in Miami on daily basis. No contacts with United." This claim has served to temper expectations, as many fans might have envisioned Pogba rekindling his relationship with the club he once graced.
Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around Pogba’s next club. Former teammate Mason Greenwood has publicly encouraged Pogba to explore the opportunity with Marseille, expressing personal affection and respect. "He's a great man, professional, who has taken me under his wing. He's a top player. Any team in Europe would love to have him. If he came here it would be great," Greenwood noted, underscoring the high regard his ex-colleague holds among players both past and present.
Pogba's situation offers interesting insights not only about his own career but also about the dynamics within Manchester United itself, which is undergoing significant changes under new management. With Ruben Amorim at the helm, Manchester United is redirecting its focus and appears to be unconcerned about reuniting with Pogba. While the notion of Pogba returning might excite segments of the fan base, there is recognition of the broader picture amid such speculation.
Pogba's return could potentially mimic other cases of players reigniting their careers after leaving United, reminiscent of Jonny Evans' temporary training return before sealing his own contract. But considering the serious nature of Pogba’s past disciplinary issues and the inconsistent performances during his final season, this strategy might not align with Amorim’s vision or the club’s direction.
Over his two spells with Manchester United, Pogba amassed 233 appearances, scoring 39 goals and providing 48 assists. Yet, the inconsistency and injuries suffering during his tenure have led many to question whether he can be relied upon for the future. Despite his talent, his recent history raises the stakes for any club considering re-signing him.
The waning days of January leading to Pogba's eligibly returning to the pitch will surely keep fans and pundits alike talking about his next destination. While Saha's advocacy for Pogba’s return presents one viewpoint, the lack of contact and the firm stand from United suggest his path may lie elsewhere.
While there is no denying Pogba's immense talent and what he could bring to any club, it remains to be seen whether Manchester United will integrate him back onto their roster. It'll be fascinating to observe how this narrative plays out as he prepares to re-enter the footballing world later this year.