Thursday August 16, 2018
Paul Pogba’s future is in fresh doubt (Picture: Getty)
Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho are no longer on speaking terms after the Manchester United boss told the Frenchman to hand in a transfer request if he wanted to leave the club ‘again’.
The pair clashed this week at United’s training ground following Pogba’s controversial comments after the Red Devils’ 2-1 win against Leicester City on Friday.
Pogba was handed the captain’s armband and put in a man of the match display against the Foxes in a performance that many supporters had hoped would quash speculation that he wants to join Barcelona.
However, Pogba all but confirmed his unhappiness at the club by telling reporters after the game: ‘There are things I can say and there are things that I cannot say, otherwise I will get fined’.
Mourinho was said to be furious at the comments after extending an olive branch to the midfielder and he believes Pogba threw the goodwill back in his face, according to the Sun.
The pair are said to have clashed with Mourinho telling Pogba if he wanted to quit the club ‘again’ he should hand in a transfer request.
Mourinho was clearly referencing Pogba’s decision to leave United in 2012 for Juventus when he felt he wasn’t given enough playing time by Sir Alex Ferguson.
The pair’s relationship is now said to be at its lowest since Pogba returned to the club and the Frenchman is even said to have told Mourinho to communicate to him through his agent Mino Raiola.
Mourinho blames Raiola for much of the speculation surrounding Pogba and would like the midfielder to sack his agent.
Pogba’s frayed relationship with Mourinho extends back to last February when he was dropped for a clash against Sevilla in the Champions League.
Mourinho had the perfect chance to heal his relationship with Pogba after his fantastic performances for France in the World Cup but instead took a dig at the midfielder, suggesting he needs to do more to produce such displays at Old Trafford.
United will not sell Pogba, regardless of whether he hands in a transfer request.