It has been revealed that former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was never actually intended to make his anticipated return to football at last weekend's postponed King's Cup in Dubai, despite being a huge part of the event's marketing.

Pogba, 31, is on course to return to professional football from March 1, 2025, once his doping ban from the sport has elapsed. Originally the World Cup winner was due to be banned for four years, until the sentence was reduced upon appeal.

Still, he is searching for a new club after being let go by Juventus. Man United co-owners Ineos have seemingly made a decision regarding the midfielder, at least for OGC Nice, whose sporting director recently stated his arrival would likely be impossible.

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But before his ban his lifted, Pogba has been working back to achieve match fitness. It emerged that he might be making his return at the King's Cup match in Dubai, which was due to be held last weekend.

However the event's organisers were forced to pull the plug at the last minute and reschedule for February 2025, which disappointed supporters who were waiting to see Pogba back in action alongside legends of football like John Terry, Paul Scholes, Roberto Carlos and David Silva.

Now, those disappointed fans have been told fear not as they did not miss what they expected. According to The Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, the ex-Man United man never actually intended to play - he was involved in the promotional material as he was going to attend as a spectator instead.

It is unknown as of yet whether the Frenchman will play or even just attend the rescheduled match at Dubai's Al Maktoum Stadium in two months.

The report also explains that Pogba was recently invited to an event with German sports manufacturer adidas - who he has partnered with since 2016 - where he gave a speech of thanks to staff for supporting him throughout his ban.