Paul Pogba to Manchester United: Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri says Old Trafford move would be a step back

The France midfielder left Old Trafford in 2012 on Sir Alex Ferguson’s watch but is likely to return

Massimiliano Allegri and Paul Pogba celebrate one of many Juventus successes (Getty)

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has suggested Paul Pogba would be taking a step back if he was to return to Manchester United in a world-record deal this summer.

The France midfielder left Old Trafford in 2012 on Sir Alex Ferguson’s watch but new manager Jose Mourinho has informed the club’s hierarchy that he considers the arrival of Pogba to be essential to his plans this season.

After helping his country reach the final of the European Championship this summer, until suffering extra-time heartbreak against Portugal, Pogba described United as his “first family” during a recent interview.

But Allegri, who insists no formal offer has been received for the 23-year-old, says he is unperturbed by the speculation.

Speaking to Italian media this weekend, the former Milan manager revealed his belief that Juventus are among the “top four” clubs in European football, reminding Pogba that a move to United would mean forsaking a place in the Champions League.

“I am calm about the English rumours,” Allegri told Gazzetta dello Sport. “Anyone who has the opportunity to leave Juventus has to consider things very carefully, because right now Juve are among the top four European clubs.

“This is not a selling club that just lets its players go. Pogba belongs to Juve and at the end of the day he too will want to win another Scudetto and hopefully the Champions League.

“We have grown in terms of appeal and awareness of our own capabilities. So far our market this summer has been eight out of 10, bringing in players of international pedigree like Medhi Benatia, Dani Alves and Miralem Pjanic.”