Pogba finally makes Juventus debut but is outshone by Man Utd transfer target

28 February 2023 , 22:57

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Paul Pogba's introduction had the desired effect for Juventus

At long last, Paul Pogba has made his second debut for Juventus more than seven months after his return to Turin was confirmed.

The Frenchman re-joined the Serie A titans last summer, six years after he first left for Manchester United but has been unable to actually don the famous black and white shirt due to a number of injury set-backs that have ensured he has spent the entire season so far on the treatment table rather than the pitch.

However, Pogba was able to get some minutes under his belt on Tuesday night as the Bianconeri ran out 4-2 winners against Torino at the Allianz Stadium. The World Cup winner was introduced in the 69th minute and Juventus took the lead just two minutes later.

Ironically for Pogba as an ex-Red Devil, his return was actually overshadowed by a late goal from a former United target in Adrien Rabiot who added his side's fourth. The former Paris Saint-Germain man capped off an impressive win 10 minutes from time.

Rabiot was linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer, but United opted to sign Casemiro instead amid fears over Rabiot's attitude and wage demands.

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As for Pogba, the 29-year-old will just be delighted to be back out on the pitch for the first time since April of last year. His last competitive outing came in the form of a 4-0 defeat away at Liverpool while playing for United.

Paul Pogba made his second Juventus debut against Torino

It marked Pogba's first game since April of last year

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Perhaps it was a sign of things to come that Pogba limped out of that fixture at Anfield with an injury as well.

Two weeks after his second spell at Juventus was confirmed, the club were forced to release some bleak news during the pre-season training.

"Following complaining of pain in his right knee, Paul Pogba underwent radiological examinations that revealed a lesion of the lateral meniscus," Juventus revealed in a statement.

"In the next few hours he will undergo a specialist orthopaedic consultation. Therefore, in order to continue treatment, he is not taking part in the trip to Dallas."

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri discussed Pogba's return ahead of the clash and what he expects from the midfielder moving forward.

"I spoke to him like I do with other players," the Italian explained. "He has to understand that it's an important part of the season to get back on track, he has to have all the motivation to do good until the end of the season and give us a hand."

Josh O'Brien