Paul Pogba and Manchester United share a love-hate relationship, but they usually end up back in each other's arms. The French midfielder is one of football's most polarizing players including among Red Devils supporters.
The 31-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Juventus following an 18 month ban for alleged doping. He's on the lookout for a new team and there were rumors of a return to United to train in order to get himself back to match fitness.
That speculation was quashed by Fabrizio Romano who claimed Pogba wasn't planning to train with any club. Talk of the 2018 World Cup winner returning to Old Trafford sent fans wild and many feel he'd thrive under Ruben Amorim.
Paul Pogba leaves cryptic message amid talk of Manchester United return
Pogba left United for the second time in his career in July 2022 when his contract expired. He joined Juve but endured a nightmare return to the San Siro after initally joining them from the Red Devils in 2012 in the same scenario.
The Frenchman has to wait until March to be eligbile to play again but he's dropped a subtle hint that he's nearing a decision over his future. He posted three telling emojis on his Instagram story:
Paul Pogba via IG. pic.twitter.com/umLo2AjNoe
— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) December 13, 2024
Pogba, 31, became the world's most expensive player in 2016 when Manchester United re-signed him for £85 million. He was expected to become an Old Trafford great because of his unbelievable potential but issues on and off the field led to a topsy-turvy spell with the Red Devils.
He made 233 appearances over the course of his two spells with the club, posting 39 goals and 48 assists. He was a member of the team that won the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2017 but held a frosty relationship with the Portuguese coach.
Pogba was booed in his final Old Trafford game when United beat Norwich City 3-2 in April 2022. There was a section of the Red Devils fanbase who didn't take to the versatile midfielder amid constant injury issues and question marks over his commitment to the club.
Bruno Fernandes hailed Pogba a 'phenomenon' after his Juve exit
Bruno Fernandes played alongside Pogba at United for two years and the pair were two of the team's creative gems. They stood out among teammates that were arguably not at their level but were unable to take the club back to the top of European football.
The Red Devils captain still holds Pogba in high regard since his departure two years ago. He responded to Pogba's announcement on Instagram that he'd left Juve with a massive compliment:
"Phenomenon as a player but even more phenomenal as a person you are."
A potential Pogba return would likely cause a divide among United fans given his somehwat unceremonious exit. He could help strengthen Amorim's midfield and take Kobbie Mainoo, 19, under his wing to help the England international develop further.