Paul Pogba played his last competitive game for Manchester United in April 2022: here’s what happened at Juventus and why he hasn’t yet made his debut in his second spell in Turin.
Pogba returned to the Allianz Stadium as a free agent last summer, signing an €8m-a-year deal plus €2m add-ons until 2026.
He sustained a meniscus injury during the pre-season but initially didn’t undergo surgery, going against the suggestion from club doctors who urged him to go under the knife.
Pogba thought that conservative therapy would allow him to return in time for the World Cup, but after a month of conservative treatment, he had to undergo surgery in September and eventually missed out on Qatar 2022.
Massimiliano Allegri hoped the Frenchman would return in January and called him for the first competitive match against Monza last weekend. Pogba remained on the bench for the entire match and sustained a new flexor injury after a few days.
Therefore, he is not available for Thursday’s Coppa Italia match against Lazio and Allegri looked quite annoyed during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
“It takes time for Pogba, nobody can work miracles. His body must adapt. We must use him wisely and at the right moment when he will be fit,” said the Italian tactician who added the 29-year-old might reach the peak of his form in two or three months when the season will almost be over.
According to Gazzetta, Juventus are losing patience with Pogba and the previous management even considered cancelling team bonuses from his contract.
Pogba struggled with injuries during his six-year spell at Manchester United missing 20 games due t physical issues in his final season at Old Trafford.
He played his last competitive game for the Red Devils on April 19, 2022 against Liverpool at Anfield.