Man Utd’s stance on signing Paul Pogba revealed after Rio Ferdinand calls for Ruben Amorim to bring former star back to help the club fight
Manchester United has made its stance clear regarding a potential return for Paul Pogba, despite Rio Ferdinand’s call for the club to consider bringing him back. The French midfielder, now 31, is actively searching for a new team after serving a suspension that initially spanned four years due to testing positive for DHEA, a substance that enhances hormone production. However, his ban was later reduced to 18 months, allowing him to return to competitive action in March 2025. With Juventus terminating his contract in November, Pogba is now a free agent, drawing interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer (MLS), and even the Premier League.
Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender, has publicly advocated for Pogba’s return, suggesting on his YouTube channel that the club should at least allow the midfielder to train with the squad before making a decision. He proposed that United should assess Pogba’s fitness firsthand before ruling out the possibility of a reunion. Despite Ferdinand’s endorsement, Manchester United remains firm in its decision not to pursue a third spell for Pogba. Reports indicate that while Pogba’s representatives have a good relationship with United’s technical director Jason Wilcox, there have been no discussions about a potential return. The club is focused on moving forward rather than revisiting past signings.
Although United has ruled out a comeback, some within football circles believe Pogba could still be a viable option for other Premier League teams. Former United striker Louis Saha previously stated that many clubs would find signing Pogba on a free transfer an attractive opportunity, particularly if he is willing to adjust his salary expectations. Given his prolonged absence from the game, Saha believes Pogba is eager to return to action and might be open to compromises to facilitate a move.
As his suspension nears its end, Pogba’s next move remains uncertain. While a return to Old Trafford is off the table, he still has potential suitors in Europe, the Middle East, and North America. With Manchester United prioritizing squad restructuring under Rúben Amorim and Dan Ashworth, Pogba’s injury history and inconsistency make him an unlikely candidate for a comeback. Ferdinand’s idea of letting him train with the squad was a reasonable suggestion, but United’s refusal to entertain the notion suggests they are more focused on building a new era rather than looking back. The question now is whether Pogba can still make an impact in the Premier League or if a fresh start in Saudi Arabia or MLS would be a better fit at this stage of his career.
