The French midfielder responds to speculation about a potential Manchester United return, offering a thoughtful reflection on his future after the ban
Paul Pogba, the dynamic French midfielder who once dazzled fans at Manchester United, has responded to swirling speculation about his footballing future. With his current doping ban sidelining him from the sport, the 31-year-old addressed questions about a possible return to Old Trafford, where he spent much of his career. His answer? Thoughtful, measured, and decidedly non-committal, but filled with hints of ambition.
Pogba, who tested positive for a banned substance earlier this year, is serving a lengthy suspension that has placed his career on hold. Fans and football pundits have been eager to learn where the Frenchman sees himself once the ban ends, and whether he could make a dramatic return to Manchester United. However, when pressed on the subject, Pogba took the opportunity to speak more broadly about his future in the sport, rather than commit to any one destination.
In a recent interview, when asked directly if he would consider a return to Manchester United, Pogba avoided a definitive answer. Instead, he reflected on the “level” of football he hopes to reach again, emphasising his desire to make a full recovery from his ban and come back stronger than ever. While he didn’t explicitly rule out a return to Old Trafford, he carefully navigated the question, hinting that his decision would depend on where he believes he can perform at the highest level.
Pogba’s career at Manchester United was nothing short of eventful. After rejoining the club from Juventus in 2016 for a then-world-record fee of £89 million, he helped United to a Europa League victory and a League Cup triumph under José Mourinho. But his time at Old Trafford was also marred by inconsistency, injuries, and moments of tension with both management and supporters. In 2022, Pogba returned to Juventus on a free transfer, marking the end of his second stint at United. His time in Italy, however, has not gone according to plan, with injuries limiting his impact and now the doping ban casting doubt over his immediate future.
For now, Pogba remains under suspension as investigations into his doping case continue. His ban, which could potentially last for years, has put a major question mark over the remainder of his professional career. Yet, the midfielder appears determined to return to the sport, mentioning that his passion for football hasn’t waned. His comments, while guarded, suggest that he remains focused on achieving a high level of play once he’s allowed back on the pitch.
Speculation about Pogba’s future has dominated headlines, with some suggesting a return to Manchester United could be on the cards. Others believe a new chapter awaits him elsewhere, possibly in a different league or even on another continent. One thing is certain: the footballing world will be watching closely to see what the next move will be for the mercurial midfielder.
For Manchester United fans, the possibility of Pogba returning to Old Trafford is a tantalising one. Despite the ups and downs during his time at the club, Pogba has always been a player capable of producing moments of brilliance. However, with United currently undergoing its own transitions under manager Erik ten Hag, it’s unclear if Pogba would fit into the club’s long-term plans. The Dutch coach has been focusing on building a team that balances youth and experience, and a return for Pogba might complicate that dynamic.
Pogba’s career has always been one filled with moments of intense scrutiny, and this latest chapter is no different. Whether he returns to Manchester United or ventures to a new destination, his eventual return to football is likely to attract attention from all corners of the footballing world. For now, Pogba remains committed to clearing his name and focusing on a future comeback that will reignite his career. Where that comeback happens, though, remains anyone’s guess.
