Man Utd face brutal end of season run-in amid Paul Pogba's return

Manchester United’s season is threatening to spiral further into chaos as the Red Devils face a brutal final stretch of fixtures, with Paul Pogba’s potential return raising eyebrows.

The club, currently languishing in 13th in the Premier League, are bracing for a nightmare run-in that could define their campaign—and not in a good way.

United’s remaining nine league games include daunting trips to Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest, alongside home clashes with Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle United.

With no domestic cup competitions left to salvage their season and a Europa League campaign hanging by a thread, Amorim’s side are staring down the barrel of their worst finish since the Premier League began in 1992.

A source close to the club told Express Sport: “It’s a horror show from here. The players know it, the fans know it, and Rúben’s feeling the heat.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Paul Pogba has emerged as a shock candidate for a third stint at Old Trafford. The 32-year-old Frenchman, now a free agent after mutually terminating his Juventus contract following a reduced doping ban, has been linked with a sensational return to M16.

Pogba, who left United for Turin in 2022 after a turbulent six-year spell, is reportedly eager to prove himself again in England. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS’ football leadership team, and Amorim have made it clear that lowering the squad’s average age and wage bill is a priority—making Pogba’s potential comeback a baffling prospect.

“Pogba’s third spell at the club would be detrimental to both ambitions and make no sense whatsoever,” a United insider said. “The focus is on youth and sustainability, not short-term fixes from the past.”

Pogba’s camp has remained silent on the rumours, but his availability as a free agent has sparked debate among fans, with some seeing it as a desperate grasp at nostalgia amid a bleak season.

Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho’s future continues to cast a shadow over United’s planning. The £73m winger, currently on loan at Chelsea, is reportedly in talks over a permanent exit from both clubs, with suggestions that he’s seeking a fresh start elsewhere next season.

United had secured an obligation-to-buy clause worth £25m in the loan deal, but emerging reports indicate Chelsea could opt for a £5m loan termination fee instead, sending Sancho back to Old Trafford.

“It’s no secret that United would be far better off if Chelsea stayed true to their agreement and paid the £25m,” a source noted. “That cash is crucial for Amorim’s rebuild.”

Sancho’s potential return would be a headache for Amorim, who has already overseen Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa in January and is planning a summer exodus of up to 10 players.

The Portuguese boss has endured a torrid start since replacing Erik ten Hag in November 2024, with United winning just four of their last 15 matches across all competitions.

“Amorim’s sinking to a new low,” said former United striker Dwight Yorke. “The run-in is brutal, and he’s got no margin for error.”

With injuries piling up—though six players, including Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, could return for the Forest trip next Tuesday—and morale at rock bottom, United’s hierarchy face a defining summer.

Pogba’s return might grab headlines, but it’s Amorim’s ability to navigate this nightmare end to the season that will determine whether the Red Devils can climb out of their current abyss.