Manchester United are reportedly considering a bold move to bring Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford for a third stint, as the club battles a series of injury setbacks in the midfield.
With Kobbie Mainoo sidelined due to a calf injury and Mason Mount struggling to overcome a string of fitness issues since his summer move from Chelsea, United’s midfield options are severely limited. Additionally, Christian Eriksen, who is expected to depart when his contract expires this summer, has struggled for form, while promising young talent Toby Collyer is also injured.
Currently, Manchester United are facing one of their worst-ever Premier League campaigns, and their form has led to concerns over a potential relegation-level finish. Reports suggest that manager Ruben Amorim is actively seeking short-term solutions to inject some fresh energy and stability into the team’s midfield.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Pogba, who is free after his contract with Juventus was terminated following a doping ban, is being considered by United. The club is reportedly weighing up the possibility of offering the French World Cup winner a one-year deal with a lower base salary, structured around performance-based bonuses. This arrangement would minimize risk while providing a potential boost to the squad.
However, the deal would still carry risks for United, as Pogba has been largely inactive since leaving the club. His last appearance for Juventus was in September 2023, in a brief cameo off the bench during a Serie A win against Empoli. Since his departure from Manchester United, Pogba has only played 12 professional matches, and his second spell at Juventus saw him start just one league game.
Pogba began his professional career at United, making just three league appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson before leaving for Juventus in 2012 on a free transfer. At Juventus, he developed into one of the world’s top midfielders, amassing 178 appearances and winning four Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia trophies, and two Supercoppa Italiana titles, alongside reaching the 2015 Champions League final.
He returned to Manchester United in 2016 for a then-record £89.3 million transfer, but his time back at Old Trafford was marred by inconsistency and injuries. Despite this, he contributed to United’s Europa League and Carabao Cup successes under Jose Mourinho and was named to the PFA Team of the Year in 2019 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, showcasing his immense talent in flashes.
If United can reignite Pogba’s best form, it would be a remarkable move, offering a talented player on a lower-risk, high-reward contract. However, given his injury history and lack of recent match fitness, bringing Pogba back could represent a significant gamble for manager Ruben Amorim and the club.
