Manchester United legend Paul Parker has sent a clear warning to his former club, urging them to resist the temptation of re-signing Paul Pogba. With the French midfielder now a free agent after his Juventus contract was terminated, speculation about his future continues to grow. However, Parker believes bringing Pogba back to Old Trafford would be a step in the wrong direction for the Red Devils.

Pogba, 31, is set to return to football in March after his four-year doping ban was reduced to 18 months. While his talent is undeniable, questions about his consistency, commitment, and off-field persona have often clouded his on-field brilliance. Parker, speaking to GOAL, emphasized that United should focus on recruiting players with the right mentality rather than revisiting a past experiment that did not work.

A History of Unfulfilled Expectations

Pogba’s relationship with Manchester United has always been a tale of unrealized potential. First leaving the club as a youngster under Sir Alex Ferguson, he returned in 2016 for a then-world record fee. Despite moments of brilliance, including a stunning performance in the 2017 Europa League final, his second stint at Old Trafford was marked by inconsistency, injuries, and off-field controversies. His eventual exit in 2022 came amid frustration from fans and management alike.

Parker’s concerns are valid. He points out that Pogba’s return would not be a decision made by manager Erik ten Hag but rather by forces beyond him—possibly the club’s hierarchy or marketing department. “You have got to look at what he is already doing publicity-wise and putting himself out there. It’s going backwards again,” Parker said. His words highlight an ongoing issue with modern football—clubs making decisions based on branding rather than performance.

Is Pogba What United Need?

While Pogba remains a supremely talented midfielder, United's biggest struggle has been finding players who embody the right attitude and work ethic. The club has been desperate to establish a strong culture under Ten Hag, and reintroducing Pogba could disrupt that vision. It’s no secret that his previous spell was marred by dressing room tensions and inconsistent performances, making a reunion a risky prospect.

Some fans, however, may argue that Pogba, on his day, is still a world-class midfielder who could add creativity and control to United’s struggling midfield. Yet, is it worth the gamble? The club has already witnessed how high-risk signings can derail progress, and Pogba’s history suggests that his return could be more of a distraction than a solution.

A Club at a Crossroads

Manchester United must decide whether to continue rebuilding with fresh talent or fall back into old habits. Re-signing Pogba may generate media buzz, but does it truly serve the club’s long-term ambitions? Parker’s warning should not be ignored—history has already shown that bringing Pogba back once did not work, and repeating that mistake could be disastrous.

For a club desperate to reclaim its former glory, the focus should be on moving forward, not looking back. The Pogba chapter at Manchester United should remain closed, allowing the club to invest in players who fit their future, rather than those who remind them of their past.