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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Alex James

Paul Pogba set for Juventus debut as Manchester United proved right over transfer decision

Forgotten former Manchester United man Paul Pogba is set for his first match action in nearly a year this week.

The World Cup winner left Old Trafford in the summer on a free transfer and re-joined Juventus but has yet to play for the Italian giants. Indeed his last outing came when he limped off in the opening 10 minutes of Manchester United's embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Liverpool last April.

It was a result that summed up where United were under Ralf Rangnick and epitomised how Pogba's star had waned. He made 29 appearances for United last season, scoring just once and was jeered on his final Old Trafford appearance against Norwich City.

READ MORE: Ten Hag invites Ferguson into dressing room to join celebrations

The progress made since the summer at United under Erik ten Hag, who has fostered a camaraderie at the club which is translating onto the pitch, is there for all to see. The Carabao Cup trophy success over the weekend earned a first trophy since the Jose Mourinho era with Pogba long since forgotten amid a new-look United.

He returned to Juventus in the summer and penned a four-year deal but has yet to make his second debut for the club. That could come in the Turin derby on Tuesday night with Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri confirming the France international is part of the squad.

Pogba had a knee operation in September which saw him miss the winter World Cup. He was an unused sub against Monza last month and Tuesday could see him return to the pitch for the first time in nearly a year when Juve face Torino.

"Pogba will be called up for the derby and will play if necessary," said Allegri. "He doesn't have much playing time in his legs, but more than enough.

"I have spoken to him as I have done with the other players. He must understand that we're at an important stage of the season. He must have the drive to have given his contribution at the end of the season."

Juventus are eighth in Serie A, one point and one place above Torino. In January The Old Lady were docked 15 points for false accounting.

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