Paul Pogba set for shock return to Manchester United training as free agent

Paul Pogba could be on the verge of a dramatic return to Manchester United, with the French midfielder reportedly set to train with the club in the New Year, Soccernet.football understands.

The 30-year-old, who is currently a free agent after leaving Juventus earlier this year, could make a third stint at Old Trafford, following his underwhelming second spell with the Red Devils.

Pogba’s previous tenure at United was marked by highs and lows, including a world-record £89m transfer from Juventus in 2016.

However, his second spell ended in disappointment, as he struggled to meet expectations before rejoining Juventus in 2022.

His comeback in Italy was quickly overshadowed by a doping ban, which was later reduced to 18 months, forcing him to sever ties with the Serie A giants.

Now, a potential return to United seems increasingly plausible.

Former United striker and compatriot Louis Saha has revealed that Pogba may soon be given the chance to train with the club under new manager Ruben Amorim.

“I’ve heard some rumours that Paul Pogba will be offered the opportunity to come back and train with Man United in the New Year, and I think that would be a great opportunity for Paul,” Saha told Casino Utan Spelpaus as per the Express.

He added: “He needs to get back to his best level as quickly as possible, and training with top players will help him to do that. I think he would be thrilled to have the opportunity to go back to the club.”

Saha, who knows Pogba’s potential well, also praised the midfielder’s abilities. “Paul Pogba is still a very special player,” he remarked. “When you think about midfielders, Pogba has unique qualities.”

With United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League following Amorim’s rocky start as manager, Saha believes Pogba’s skill set could provide a vital boost to the squad.

United have struggled with a lack of dynamism in midfield, and Saha insists Pogba’s box-to-box style would offer a much-needed contrast to the current roster.

“I think the United squad lacks power in midfield, and we’re missing a skilful player that can play box-to-box, so he would be a good addition,” Saha explained. “He’s a different profile of player to what United have.”

Saha has urged United’s ownership, particularly Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, to secure Pogba’s signature before other Premier League clubs act.

“When I look at Pogba, I think that many teams in the Premier League would find signing him as a free agent an attractive proposition. Forget about the salary, I’m sure Paul is ready to find a compromise on that as he wants to play football again after such a long time on the sidelines.”

The former French international also believes Pogba represents a low-risk, high-reward signing.

“When I think about Pogba, there are more positives with signing him than there are negatives, and I think he’s a player that should interest Manchester United in January,” Saha added. “All the top clubs in the Premier League should see signing Pogba on a free transfer as an amazing opportunity. That’s how I see it.”

Up next for United, though, is not a look at Pogba but a crucial Europa League clash with Viktoria Plzen on Thursday.