Paul Pogba, the former Manchester United midfield maestro, has set tongues wagging with a tantalising hint about his imminent return to professional football following an 18-month hiatus due to a doping ban.

The French World Cup winner, who once graced the hallowed turf of Old Trafford with his flamboyant style and mercurial talent, found himself embroiled in controversy whilst plying his trade for Italian giants Juventus.

Pogba was initially slapped with a four-year suspension after traces of testosterone, a prohibited substance, were detected in his system. However, the midfielder’s unwavering assertion of innocence bore fruit as he successfully appealed the decision, resulting in a reduced ban of 18 months.

Pogba’s declaration that the incident “was not intentional” resonated with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), who ultimately sided with the player’s plea. This reduction in his ban has opened the door for the 31-year-old to contemplate a return to the beautiful game as early as March 2025.

As Pogba’s enforced absence from the pitch nears its conclusion, the football world has been abuzz with speculation regarding his next destination. The termination of his contract with Juventus has rendered him a free agent, allowing him to explore a plethora of options for the next chapter in his illustrious career.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the footballing community, Pogba took to Instagram on Saturday, 15 February, to share a series of images showcasing his rigorous training regime.

The slideshow, which depicted the midfielder pushing himself to the limit in the gym, was accompanied by a cryptic caption that read: “I’m coming back,” followed by a football emoji and a charged-battery emoji. This tantalising message has left fans and pundits alike pondering the possibilities that lie ahead for the enigmatic Frenchman.

Whilst rumours of a sensational return to Manchester United have circulated, with club legend Rio Ferdinand even entertaining the notion on his YouTube channel, stating, “I’d also have a look [if he’s in a position to be re-signed],” the likelihood of such a move materialising appears slim. Despite the current midfield conundrum facing United’s manager Ruben Amorim, a reunion between Pogba and the Red Devils seems improbable at this juncture.

Instead, the prevailing whispers suggest that Pogba’s future may lie across the Atlantic in Major League Soccer. Reports from Fichajes indicate that the Frenchman is engaged in advanced negotiations with Charlotte FC, a move that could potentially see him link up with another former United star, Wilfried Zaha.

As the football world eagerly anticipates Pogba’s return to action, questions abound regarding his ability to recapture the form that once made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football.

Will the enforced break have dulled his skills, or will it have reinvigorated his passion for the game? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Paul Pogba’s comeback will be one of the most intriguing storylines to follow in the coming months.

For Manchester United supporters, the prospect of Pogba donning the famous red shirt once more may be nothing more than a distant dream.

However, his impending return to football serves as a reminder of the indelible mark he left on the club during his time at Old Trafford. As he prepares to embark on the next phase of his career, the footballing world watches with bated breath, eager to see if the mercurial Frenchman can once again weave his magic on the pitch and remind us all of the prodigious talent that once made him one of the most exciting players of his generation.

redmancunian.com