Andrea Pirlo has told Manchester United to forget about ever re-signing his Juventus teammate Paul Pogba.
Pirlo, 35, believes that United only have themselves to blame for overlooking Pogba during his time at Old Trafford, when Sir Alex Ferguson did not grant him a single start before the midfielder left for the Bianconeri in 2012.
United have scouted the 21-year-old, who has also been linked with Real Madrid, during his three seasons in Turin.
But Italy international Pirlo feels they will pay the price for not affording the France midfielder enough opportunities during his two seasons in England.
"For whatever reasons they chose not to give him a chance and that is a mistake they will have to live with now," Pirlo told French television show Telefoot, according to the Daily Mail. "I can't see that he will ever return to Manchester United."
Pogba only made seven substitute appearances for United but has gone on to become a key part of the Juventus and France teams, winning back-to-back Serie A titles and the award for the best young player in last summer's World Cup.
"When he first joined us in training at Juventus we knew there was something about him -- and in just two years he has become one of the best players in the world," Pirlo added.
"Of course he is going to have options -- he knows that. You can't play at the level he is and not attract attention but he also knows that at Juventus he is already at one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
"I have spoken with him, and told him if he carries on working hard and makes the right decisions there is no limit to what he can achieve."
Pogba has scored four goals in his last four games and was on the 23-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or last year.
Bianconeri fans have been boosted by Pogba's agent Mino Raiola confirming that the 21-year-old won't be making a winter exit despite persistent rumours to the contrary.
Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri has tipped Pogba to become the greatest player on the planet following his fine recent form, but suggested the midfielder could be sold in the summer.