Paul Pogba’s Return to Manchester United: An Analysis of the Latest Rumors and Their Impact on the Club’s Future

On April 1, 2025, a flurry of speculation swept through the football world regarding Paul Pogba’s possible return to Manchester United, following rumors that he had signed a one-year contract with the club. However, the timing of this news, coinciding with April Fools’ Day, immediately raised questions about the authenticity of these reports. Despite reports claiming that Pogba had reported to United’s training ground and asked manager Ruben Amorim to make immediate changes to the squad, there has been no official confirmation from credible sources. This article takes a deep dive into the facts surrounding the rumors, the possibility of Pogba’s return, and what it could mean for Manchester United’s rebuilding project under Amorim.

Paul Pogba, a French international and one of the most talented midfielders of his generation, has had a tumultuous few years, marked by a series of injuries and off-field controversies. After leaving Manchester United in 2016 for a then-record transfer fee, Pogba’s return to the Premier League in 2016 was met with high expectations. While his first stint with Manchester United was marked by flashes of brilliance, Pogba’s time at Old Trafford has been a subject of debate, as inconsistency and managerial changes overshadowed his undeniable talent.

In the summer of 2022, Pogba made the move to Juventus, hoping to regain his form and establish himself as one of the top midfielders in Europe. However, his time in Turin has been beset by injuries and disciplinary issues, including a controversial doping ban. After testing positive for testosterone in the summer of 2023, Pogba’s suspension was reduced to 18 months in early 2024, making him eligible to play again as of March 2025. This development brought the midfielder back into the transfer spotlight, with rumors swirling about his next move.

On April 1, 2025, reports surfaced suggesting that Pogba had signed a one-year contract with Manchester United and was now back at the club’s training ground. The timing of these reports immediately cast doubt on their legitimacy, as April 1 is widely recognized as April Fools’ Day—a date infamous for hoaxes, pranks, and fake news in the world of sports journalism.

At the time of the rumors, no credible sources, such as ESPN or the *Manchester Evening News*, had confirmed that Pogba had indeed returned to the club. Moreover, official statements from Manchester United had not corroborated the claims, leaving the situation unclear. Some outlets even suggested that Pogba might have visited the club’s facilities for informal discussions, but this remained unverified, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation.

The reports also mentioned that Pogba, upon his alleged return, had reportedly asked manager Ruben Amorim to implement significant changes to the team. This included improving the squad’s overall balance and making adjustments to the club’s tactical approach. These claims, if true, would be significant, as they suggest that Pogba is not merely looking for a return to Manchester United, but also hoping to exert influence over the direction of the team.

While the rumors about Pogba’s return remain unverified, it is worth examining his current status and what a potential return to Manchester United might entail. As of March 2025, Pogba’s doping ban had been reduced to 18 months, making him eligible to play again after months of suspension. His return to playing would undoubtedly generate significant attention, but it raises several important questions about his fitness, motivation, and long-term future in top-level football.

Since leaving Manchester United for Juventus, Pogba’s career has been marked by physical setbacks and off-field controversies. Injuries have limited his playing time, and his reputation took a hit due to the doping scandal. While Pogba is undoubtedly a talented player, his recent struggles have raised concerns about whether he can ever return to his best form. Additionally, his age—he is now 32 years old—further complicates matters, as Pogba is entering the final years of his career. For a club like Manchester United, which is undergoing a rebuilding phase, the question of whether Pogba’s return would be beneficial in the long term is a valid one.

Since taking charge of Manchester United in the summer of 2024, Ruben Amorim has been tasked with revitalizing the club and restoring it to its former glory. The Portuguese manager has made it clear that his focus is on youth development and long-term stability. Under his leadership, United has started to shift away from relying on aging stars and has begun building a squad for the future, emphasizing young talent and a more fluid tactical approach.

Amorim’s philosophy is based on possession-based football, high pressing, and fostering a team-oriented approach rather than relying on individual brilliance. This vision represents a significant shift from the club’s previous managerial regimes, which often struggled with a lack of coherent identity. Despite facing challenges, Amorim’s project has shown signs of progress, with Manchester United becoming more competitive in the Premier League and European competitions.

However, the prospect of Pogba’s return presents a dilemma for Amorim. The manager is building a squad that prioritizes youth, fitness, and versatility—qualities that Pogba, at this stage in his career, may not possess in abundance. Pogba’s recent injury history and disciplinary issues would seem to be at odds with the demands of a young, dynamic team that is being built for the long haul. Additionally, Pogba’s potential influence in the dressing room and on the pitch could disrupt the balance that Amorim is working to create.

If Pogba were to rejoin Manchester United, the implications would be far-reaching. First and foremost, Pogba is an undeniably talented player who, at his best, can provide creativity, physicality, and leadership to the midfield. His vision and ability to dictate the tempo of a game would undoubtedly improve United’s midfield options, providing much-needed depth in a crucial area of the pitch.

However, Pogba’s presence could also create complications within the squad. The current Manchester United midfield includes several promising players, such as Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and young talents like Alejandro Garnacho and James Garner. These players have been central to Amorim’s system and may feel undermined by the reintroduction of a high-profile figure like Pogba. There is also the question of how Pogba would fit into the tactical setup that Amorim is building. While Pogba can play in a deep-lying midfield role, his best performances have often come when he has been given the freedom to roam and influence the game in attacking areas. Integrating him into a team that values tactical discipline and cohesion could prove challenging.

Moreover, Pogba’s past issues with discipline and focus may become a point of contention. While he is a highly gifted player, his relationship with managers and teammates has not always been smooth. If Pogba were to return to Manchester United, he would need to demonstrate a commitment to the team’s collective goals and buy into Amorim’s philosophy. Failure to do so could lead to further disruption and resentment among the squad, undermining the stability that Amorim is trying to build.

For now, the speculation about Pogba’s return remains just that—speculation. The timing of the reports on April 1, 2025, suggests that they may be part of an elaborate prank or hoax, with no substantial evidence to support the claims. Until an official announcement is made, any discussions about Pogba’s potential return to Manchester United should be treated with skepticism.

Regardless of whether Pogba re-signs with Manchester United, the club’s focus will likely remain on its rebuilding project under Ruben Amorim. The emphasis will be on developing a cohesive team that can challenge for top honors in both domestic and European competitions. If Pogba is indeed part of that future, he would need to prove that he is capable of contributing to Amorim’s vision, both on and off the field.

In conclusion, while the rumors about Pogba’s return are tantalizing, they should be approached with caution. The timing of the reports, combined with the lack of credible confirmation, suggests that fans and media alike will need to wait for more concrete developments before drawing any conclusions. For Manchester United, the priority will remain on building a squad that can challenge for trophies, and if Pogba is to be a part of that, he must prove that he can still offer the quality and consistency required to succeed at the highest level.