Pogba, whose career has been in turmoil due to a doping suspension, remains at the center of speculation regarding his future in football. His recent comments about the possibility of rejoining Manchester United have reignited conversations about his legacy, his potential redemption, and the impact his return could have on one of the world’s most famous clubs.
Pogba’s suspension, stemming from a positive test for the banned substance DHEA in 2023, has sidelined him from competitive football for 18 months after a successful appeal reduced his initial four-year ban. This prolonged absence from the sport has thrown his career into uncertainty, with Juventus reportedly ready to terminate his contract. The midfielder, who was once the world’s most expensive player when Manchester United paid £89 million to bring him back from Juventus in 2016, has been the subject of multiple transfer rumors, including a possible return to Old Trafford.
Addressing the speculation, Pogba acknowledged that returning to Manchester United would not be an easy decision, considering the ups and downs of his previous stint at the club. “I still have a strong connection to Manchester United and its fans,” Pogba said. “There were good times, but also a lot of challenges. I know some people may have doubts, but I’ve grown, and I want to show what I can do.” These comments suggest that Pogba is aware of the complicated feelings surrounding his tenure at United, which was marked by moments of brilliance but also by long spells of inconsistency and injuries.
During his time at Manchester United, Pogba’s performances were often criticized by fans and the media. Despite winning the Europa League and the EFL Cup under José Mourinho in 2017, Pogba was unable to help the club regain the Premier League title. His form dipped over the years, with injuries playing a significant role, and his relationship with the club seemed to deteriorate toward the end. Pogba eventually returned to Juventus in 2022, where he hoped to revive his career. Unfortunately, injuries and the subsequent doping scandal prevented him from making an impact in his second spell with the Italian giants.
The possibility of Pogba returning to Manchester United, especially in the current context of the club’s rebuilding phase, has stirred mixed reactions. Some United fans believe Pogba still has unfinished business at Old Trafford and could provide the experience and creativity the club needs in midfield. Others are more skeptical, arguing that Pogba’s inconsistency during his previous time at the club is reason enough to avoid a reunion.
Manchester United, under manager Erik ten Hag, has been working to rebuild the squad and instill a new culture of discipline and tactical rigor. Bringing Pogba back into that setup could be seen as a risk, but it could also represent an opportunity for the club to regain a world-class midfielder who, on his day, is capable of changing the course of games. Pogba himself acknowledged this challenge, stating, “I know expectations will be high, but I’ve learned a lot from the difficulties I’ve faced. I want to show that I’m still one of the best in the world, and maybe Manchester United is the place where I can do that.”
Although the speculation remains just that for now, Pogba’s openness to the idea of returning to Manchester United has sparked intense debate across football. With his suspension set to end in early 2025, Pogba has time to weigh his options carefully, and United could be just one of several top European clubs interested in securing his services. Regardless of where he ends up, Pogba’s next move will be one of the most closely watched developments in football as he seeks to reignite his career following a turbulent period.
Ultimately, whether or not Paul Pogba returns to Manchester United will depend on a number of factors, including the club’s willingness to bring him back and the terms of his release from Juventus. For now, Pogba has left the door open, and football fans around the world will be watching closely to see what the future holds for the talented but often polarizing Frenchman.
