Bacary Sagna has sparked speculation about Paul Pogba potentially making a sensational third return to Manchester United, this time under the leadership of current manager Ruben Amorim.
Pogba, the 31-year-old French midfielder and World Cup winner, is currently without a club after mutually parting ways with Juventus earlier this month. His second stint with the Italian side was fraught with difficulties, as he managed only 12 appearances before a doping scandal brought his time at the club to a premature end.
In September 2023, Pogba faced a four-year suspension after testing positive for a prohibited substance. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later reduced the ban to 18 months, determining that the banned substance had been consumed unintentionally. This decision paves the way for Pogba to resume training as early as January 2024, with eligibility to play professionally by March.
Despite these setbacks, Pogba’s undeniable talent remains a key talking point. According to Sagna, Pogba could excel at Manchester United under Amorim’s modern and player-centric approach. In an interview with Mega Dice, Sagna, a former France international and Premier League veteran with Arsenal and Manchester City, expressed optimism about Pogba’s potential revival at Old Trafford.
“Manchester United is in a different place now compared to when Paul was there previously. Amorim is a young, dynamic coach who understands the game from a player’s perspective, and this could help Paul thrive. Knowing Paul personally, I can say his love for United is still strong,” Sagna explained.
Reflecting on Pogba’s earlier spell at United, Sagna suggested that the challenges Pogba faced were symptomatic of the club’s instability during that period.
“I’ve had many conversations with Paul, and his passion for Manchester United is genuine. The struggles he encountered were not solely down to him—the club was going through a turbulent phase, and it was tough for any player to perform under such circumstances,” Sagna added.
Manchester United’s current season has been plagued by injuries to key midfielders like Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte. These issues were highlighted in a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, where both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen were forced off the pitch.
If Pogba becomes available in March, he could provide a significant boost to United’s midfield options. While Amorim’s stance on Pogba remains uncertain, Sagna’s comments have ignited speculation that a return to Old Trafford could be on the horizon.
For Pogba, a move back to United would present an opportunity for redemption, and under Amorim’s guidance, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
