CARSON, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Paul Pogba #10 of Juventus waves as he leaves the field during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Juventus and AC Milan at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 27, 2023 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could reportedly return to train at Carrington in the coming weeks.
The 31-year-old had two spells at the club, and both ended with a free transfer to Juventus.
The Frenchman initially left the Red Devils in the summer of 2012 after failing to earn a prominent place in Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans.
After four successful years in Turin, the Premier League giants splashed €105 million (a world-record fee at the time) to bring him back, but his six-year stint at Old Trafford was marred by injuries, inconsistent displays and some altercations with managers.
Pogba then returned to Juventus with the hopes of reigniting the magic of his original spell in Italy, but it swiftly descended into utter chaos, beginning with a poorly treated meniscus injury, followed by a doping ban.
The two parties have now agreed to terminate their contract, so the 2018 World Cup is a free agent once more, and will be looking to revive his career once his ban expires in March.
But in the meantime, Pogba could return to Carrington. His countryman Louis Saha claims the Red Devils are looking to invite their former player to train at the club’s facility.
“I’ve heard some rumours that Paul Pogba will be offered the opportunity to come back and train with Man United in the New Year, and I think that would be a great opportunity for Paul,” said the former United and Everton striker (via The Daily Mail).
“He needs to get back to his best level as quickly as possible, and training with top players will help him to do that. I think he would be thrilled to have the opportunity to go back to the club.
‘I also think that Paul Pogba is still a very special player. When you think about midfielders, Pogba has unique qualities.”
Louis Saha reveal Paul Pogba could return to train at Man United
Saha even suggested that Pogba could still be useful for the Red Devils if given the opportunity, believing his compatriot would be happy to take a pay cut to join United on a third spell.
“I think the United squad lacks power in the midfield, and we’re missing a skillful player that can play box-to-box, so he would be a good addition [to the United squad] because he’s a different profile of player to what United have.’
“When I look at Pogba, I think that many teams in the would find signing him as a free agent an attractive proposition. Forget about the salary, I’m sure Paul is ready to find a compromise on that as he wants to play football again after such a long time on the sidelines.
“When I think about Pogba, there are more positives with signing him than there are negatives, and I think he’s a player that should interest Manchester United in January.
“All the top clubs in the Premier League should see signing Pogba on a free transfer as an amazing opportunity. That’s how I see it.”
