Paul Pogba dreamed of returning to Manchester United, says Chelsea manager Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte has revealed that Paul Pogba always had desires to return to Manchester United after moving to Juventus in 2012 on a free transfer. Conte was the manager of the Turin club during Pogba's arrival, under whom he won two Serie A titles, before the manager went to take over the reins of the Italy national team.

Conte is now in charge of Chelsea and will face United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 23 October, which is being managed by former Blues coach Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese man was sacked by the Blues last season after he failed to lead the London-based club out of the relegation zone and was replaced by Guus Hiddink, who led them to a tenth placed finish.

Pogba, who had a disappointing start with the Red Devils, is coming back into form after scoring two goals against Fenerbahce in the group stages of the Europa League. The midfielder has scored only one goal in the league thus far and has to put in a brilliant show if Mourinho has to seek revenge over his former club. The Frenchman has come under a lot of criticism from the media and fans alike for his failure to live up to expectations after coming to old Trafford for a world record fee.

"He was born in England in a football aspect and he came back," Conte said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News, ahead of their game against United. "When we took him from Manchester United he was a fantastic player. He deserves it all. For him to come back to Man United was his dream. I wish for him only best - but only after the game."

The Italian believes that Mourinho should be given a good reception by the fans following his arrival, given the number of titles he has won with the Blues and brought them to the fore. Meanwhile, John Terry is back fit for the fixture and may start in a back three alongside Gary Cahill and David Luiz.

"He deserves a good reception because he wrote part of the Chelsea story with the players and the staff," Conte added. "But after the whistle he becomes like the other players of Man United, an enemy in a sporting aspect."