Pogba will never return to Manchester United, insists teammate Andrea Pirlo

Paul Pogba celebrates a goal with his Juventus teammate Andrea Pirlo

Turin, Jan 28 (IANS) Veteran Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo believes Manchester United would be wasting their time in trying to re-sign teammate Paul Pogba. The 21-year-old left Old Trafford for Juventus in 2012 after growing frustrated with a lack of first-team appearances under Alex Ferguson.

He has since developed into one of the best midfielders in world football, leading to reports of a big money move back to United. But current teammate Pirlo Tuesday said Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal can forget about landing the Frenchman anytime soon.

"For whatever reasons they chose not to give him a chance - and that is a mistake they will have to live with now," midfield maestro Pirlo was quoted as saying by mirror.co.uk.

"I can't see that he (Pogba) will ever return to Manchester United."

However, Juventus boss Massimo Allegri has dropped a major hint that the Italian champions would be willing to do business, if the price is right.

"Everything in life has a price, unfortunately. I don't think it is a problem we need to consider right now," Allegri said. "It is difficult to replace world-class players, but it can be done, as football goes on.”

Last week, Pogba's agent moved to quash rumours that he holds a dislike for his former club, but insisted he would not be leaving Juventus this month.