Manchester United’s so-called “Beautiful Football” revival under Michael Carrick has been thrown into chaos by one of the most dramatic rumours of the season. Fresh off a fourth consecutive victory and buzz around a surprise Cristiano Ronaldo appearance earlier today, social media erupted with claims that Paul Pogba had sealed a sensational one-year return to Old Trafford. For many fans, it sounded like the beginning of a long-awaited redemption story. Behind the scenes, however, the situation is far less straightforward.
Despite headlines screaming that the deal is “official,” Pogba is still very much a Monaco player. The French midfielder signed a two-year contract with the Ligue 1 side in June 2025 after his doping ban was reduced. That said, the speculation didn’t come from nowhere. Pogba’s time back in France has been plagued by setbacks, with injuries limiting him to just three appearances this season. His struggles recently saw him left out of Monaco’s Champions League squad to accommodate new signings. Adding fuel to the fire, reports claim he was spotted near United’s Carrington training complex today. Crucially, though, this was not for contract talks but to consult elite medical specialists over a stubborn calf problem that has sidelined him since December.
Sources close to the club suggest INEOS are quietly exploring a low-risk option for the summer, possibly a short-term deal if Pogba can convincingly prove his fitness. Any move would depend heavily on Carrick’s approval. The United boss is understood to be cautious, mindful of upsetting the balance between Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro, especially with Bruno Fernandes in outstanding form and Bruno Guimarães still being linked as a potential arrival. Carrick values discipline, intensity and cohesion, and there are concerns that reintroducing Pogba could complicate a midfield that is finally clicking.
Among supporters, opinion is sharply divided. Some see a potential return as the ultimate last dance, a chance for Pogba to rewrite the ending of his turbulent United story. Others feel the club should stay true to Carrick’s vision and keep building around younger, more reliable profiles, particularly with talents like Patrick Dorgu already dealing with their own injury worries. Whether Pogba would be a decisive boost in a potential quadruple push or merely a reminder of past frustrations remains the big unanswered question.
