Paul Pogba could still potentially be headed for a sensational Manchester United comeback as he nears the end of his doping suspension.
In February, the 31-year-old Frenchman was initially handed a four-year ban after failing a doping test, but following an appeal, it was reduced to just 18 months. With this verdict, Pogba will be able to return to training in January 2025, and begin playing in matches from March onwards, potentially opening the door for a career revival.
Last month, Pogba and Juventus parted ways by mutual consent, ending a disappointing stint that saw him clock a mere 203 minutes over two-and-a-half years. Now a free agent, a new club will undoubtedly be top of the player's Christmas wish-list, and it's rumoured that United could play a part in his return.
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While it's unlikely he'll be offered a contract by the Red Devils, there is talk – based on comments made by former United ace Louis Saha – that Pogba might be offered a chance to train at Carrington in the New Year. Wherever he ends up, two of his former team-mates, Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes, will be cheering him on from afar.
Last November, as Pogba hinted at a return to play, Chelsea loanee Sancho, 24, expressed excitement on Instagram, saying: "I can't wait for you to return."
Similarly, following the news of his Juventus exit, Fernandes, 30, messaged him on the same platform, saying: "Phenomenon as a player but even more phenomenal as a person you are," and added a heart emoji.
A return to United, even just to train, would mark Pogba's third stint with the club. He initially joined from Le Havre as a teenager in 2009, but left for Juventus two years later after being denied first team opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson.
United broke the world transfer record to re-sign him in 2016, and Pogba went on to feature over 220 times for the club, netting 39 goals, before returning to Juventus in 2022.
Sancho, currently on loan at Chelsea from United, will seal a permanent switch if the Blues finish above 15th in the Premier League this season – so won't be around for a possible Pogba reunion. Fernandes, on the other hand, almost certainly will – and as club captain, he could even play a part in convincing the club to bring Pogba on board.
Pogba's affection for United remains strong, and his friend, ex-Manchester City and Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna, believes United boss Ruben Amorim might welcome him back. Speaking to Mega Dice, Sagna said: "United have a young coach, a coach that has been a player, a coach that understands the situation.
"He will probably be willing to have a player like Paul at his training sessions. Amorim was a player himself, so I'm sure the coach will be open to seeing him getting back home because he loves United. I have talked many times with Paul. He loves United. The only problem was the situation when he came back.
"That was a spell where things didn't go as well as they should have done, but Paul wasn't the only player that struggled at United during the time he was there."
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