Manchester United's French midfielder Paul Pogba (Photo by Shaun Botterill / POOL / AFP)

Former Juventus ace Claudio Marchisio has urged Paul Pogba to leave Manchester United and return to Turin, where he can be 'happy again'.

Pogba enjoyed a hugely successful time at Juventus between 2012 and 2016, becoming a fans' favourite and developing into one of Europe's best midfielders alongside Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo.

Four years ago, he left Italy to join United but his form and performances have been erratic and with less than two years left on his contract, there are doubts over whether Pogba has long-term future at Old Trafford.

Real Madrid and Juventus have been linked with Pogba in the past and he has made no secret of his desire for a fresh challenge.

Pogba posted a picture of himself in training with France on social media with the caption: "Head up, look forward!"

And Marchisio replied: "Please @paulpogba. Come to @juventusfc, you will be happy again. Me too #tilltheend."

In recent days, Pogba claimed being with the French national team is a 'breath of fresh air' compared to United.

"[Playing with France] it's like a window that opens up," he told RTL.

Juventus v Milan - Italian Cup Final - Olympic stadium, Rome, Italy - 21/05/16 Juventus' Paul Pogba holds the cup at the end of the match against AC Milan. [REUTERS/Tony Gentile]

"It's a breath of fresh air when you come here. We have a truly fantastic squad. When we come here, we're all happy.

"We're all pleased to see one another. We really enjoy ourselves on the pitch.

"That doesn't mean we don't enjoy ourselves at club level, but it's not the same here.

"We're a real family, and we have so much fun when we come here."