The question of whether Manchester United should re-sign Paul Pogba has resurfaced, with speculation that the 31-year-old French midfielder could return to the club with a renewed sense of purpose. Currently, Pogba is serving a doping suspension, but some believe he might be motivated by a fresh challenge to prove himself once eligible to play.
Pogba’s relationship with Manchester United has been a storied one, marked by both high expectations and disappointments. He initially came through United’s youth academy but left for Juventus on a free transfer after a falling out with then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson. During his time in Serie A, Pogba blossomed into one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders. His performances with Juventus were so impressive that Manchester United paid a then-world-record £86 million to bring him back in 2016. However, his second stint with United didn’t quite live up to expectations; he was plagued by inconsistency on the pitch and frequent controversies off it. By 2022, he had left the club again, this time returning to Juventus on a free transfer.
Since his return to Italy, Pogba’s career has faced further setbacks. In the 2022/23 season, persistent injuries kept him from making a significant impact on the pitch, and his season was further disrupted by a doping controversy. In 2023, he tested positive for non-endogenous testosterone and was handed a four-year ban from professional football. After appealing the decision, the suspension was reduced to 18 months, meaning Pogba will be eligible to train again by January 2025 and resume playing in March.
With Juventus reportedly open to parting ways with Pogba, rumors of a return to the Premier League have begun circulating. Former Arsenal and France midfielder Emmanuel Petit has weighed in, suggesting that Pogba could be an excellent fit for Arsenal. According to Petit, Pogba’s skill set and unique attributes would fill a gap in Arsenal’s midfield, which has lacked a similarly dynamic presence since one of their top players left the club.
Whether Manchester United would consider re-signing Pogba is unclear. While the club’s fanbase has mixed feelings due to his previous inconsistency and off-field distractions, others argue that Pogba’s talent is undeniable and could add something special to United’s midfield. However, questions about his ability to perform at a high level after such a prolonged absence remain, as well as concerns about how he would mesh with the current squad.
In any case, Pogba’s potential return to the Premier League—whether to Manchester United or Arsenal—would certainly be one of the season’s most talked-about moves, particularly if he arrives with a renewed focus and determination.
