Former record-breaking United star breaks a 1000 day curse in massive career moment

Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba made his first start in almost three years. Injury hell The French star left Manchester United in the summer of 2022. He played 233 times for Manchester United after being re-signed in 2016 for a record £89 million, the most Manchester United have ever spent on a player. Pogba suffered significant injuries in his first season back at Juventus in 2023 and was banned from playing football in 2024 after illegal substances were found to be in his system. After appeal, his ban was reduced from four years to 18 months, and he joined AS Monaco last summer. Unfortunately, his injury problems have followed him, and he has only played six times all season. In a recent interview, Pogba opened up on the mental trauma all his injuries have caused him, but credited those close to him for getting him through it. Return Thankfully, he has returned to the pitch lately, playing in three of Monaco’s last four games. He took a major step in his recovery yesterday as he started for the first time since May 2023. Paul Pogba, titular… MÁS DE 1000 DÍAS DESPUÉS🤯 El francés reaparece en el once con el Mónaco. Su última vez fue con la Juventus ante el Cremonense en 2023👀 pic.twitter.com/RJl4DY4sJ7 — DAZN Fútbol (@DAZNFutbol) May 2, 2026 The 33-year-old played 58 minutes in their 2-1 win over FC Metz. Pogba completed 78% of his passes and had two shots on goal, one of which was blocked by the home defence. The midfielder also won four duels and 100% of his tackles on a decent return to the starting line-up. + 3, lets go ⛏️ pic.twitter.com/DddUptKudT — Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) May 2, 2026 Pogba took to social media to mark the occasion, but rather than focus on himself, chose to mention that it was a big three points for his side. The former Manchester United man will be itching for his next game when sixth-placed Monaco take on fourth-placed LOSC Lille next Sunday evening. Paul Pogba stats vs FC Metz Expected goals (xG)0.06 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0.03 Key passes0 Crosses (accurate)0 (0) Accurate passes36/46 (78%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)22/30 (73%) Passes in own half (acc.)14/16 (88%) Total shots2 Shots on target0 Shots blocked1 Touches52 Dribbles (successful)0 (0) Was fouled1 Possession lost11 Total carrying distance101.3 m Carries16 Total progression47.1 m Source: Sofascore The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.