Paul Pogba reveals why he returned to Manchester United after being betrayed by Juventus as he plans to return to top football
Bacary Sagna believes Paul Pogba would be open to rejoining Manchester United for a third stint, especially under the guidance of current manager Ruben Amorim.
The 31-year-old World Cup-winning midfielder, now without a club, recently parted ways with Juventus. Pogba’s second spell with the Italian giants was cut short after he made just 12 appearances, largely due to a doping controversy that derailed his career.
In September 2023, Pogba was handed a four-year suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later reduced his ban to 18 months after determining the substance was consumed unknowingly. This ruling means Pogba can resume training by January 2024 and could be match-ready by March.
Despite these challenges, Pogba’s talent remains unquestionable, and Sagna feels a return to Old Trafford could be a realistic scenario. The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender, who also represented France, is confident Pogba would excel under Amorim’s management.
Speaking to Mega Dice, Sagna shared his thoughts:
“The environment at Manchester United is different now compared to when Paul last played there. With a young and dynamic coach like Amorim, who understands the player’s perspective, Paul would be a great fit. I believe Amorim would welcome someone like Paul, especially given how much he loves United.”
Reflecting on Pogba’s previous tenure at the club, Sagna noted that the Frenchman’s struggles were tied to the overall challenges Manchester United faced at the time:
“Paul truly loves United, and I’ve had conversations with him to confirm that. His difficulties weren’t just about him—they were about the situation at the club during that period, which affected many players.”
Manchester United’s current midfield issues could make Pogba’s return particularly timely. With injuries sidelining Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, the team recently relied on Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. Both players were substituted in the second half, highlighting the need for additional depth.
If Pogba becomes available by March, his inclusion could significantly bolster United’s midfield options. While it remains unclear whether Amorim envisions Pogba in his plans, Sagna’s remarks suggest that such a reunion could be on the horizon.