Paul Pogba has opened up on how his relationship with Jose Mourinho deteriorated towards the end of the Portuguese manager’s time at Manchester United in a new documentary.
Mourinho was the man in charge at Old Trafford when Pogba returned to the club from Juventus. United paid a then-world record fee of £89 million to sign the French midfielder.
Pogba’s second spell at United got off to a good start, with the club winning the League Cup and Europa League in his first full season.
In the next campaign, the midfielder scored six goals and provided 10 assists as Mourinho’s side finished second in the Premier League behind Manchester City.
Pogba then helped France to win the 2018 World Cup. Upon returning to Old Trafford, he assumed the captaincy in his side’s opening game of the Premier League season against Leicester, in the absence of Antonio Valencia. Pogba scored inside just three minutes, and United won 2-1.
However, the relationship then began to deteriorate between player and manager. It started when Mourinho stripped Pogba of the vice-captaincy in September 2018.
Justifying his decision, Mourinho explained: “Manchester United is bigger than anyone, and I have to defend that.”
Then, during an open training day, the pair were visibly involved in a row on the Carrington training pitch.
Furthermore, in December, The Sun alleged that Mourinho called the midfielder a “virus” in front of the squad after his poor performance in a 2-2 draw against Southampton.
The Portuguese boss was sacked later that month, with Pogba remaining at the club until this summer, when he will leave on a free transfer.
Paul Pogba opens up on relationship with Jose Mourinho
Paul Pogba has caused a stir amongst fans this week with the release of his new documentary, titled ‘Pogmentary’. Its release day was Friday.
Parts of the documentary have come under severe criticism. One scene revolves around the attempts of Pogba and then-agent, Mino Raiola, to negotiate a new contract with United on a higher wage.
The midfielder is heard describing United’s £300,000-a-week offer as ‘nothing’ – and unsurprisingly, United fans are not impressed.
However, one of the more intriguing parts of the documentary is the Frenchman explaining the catalyst for his relationship with Mourinho changing in 2018.
Pogba spent time on the sidelines due to injury, and opted to travel to Miami for rehabilitation. That was seemingly against the wishes of his manager.
He revealed: “It all started when I got injured. I decided to go to Miami for rehab, and left. In Miami, a paparazzo photographed with me with my wife, Zulay.
“Mourinho sent the photo to Raiola. I didn’t like it at all. At all. I said to Mou, ‘Are you serious? I am injured, but I come here to train three times a day. Who do you think I am? I’m not like other players’.
Pogba, however, then went on to add: “It was a new thing for me. I’m not used to having problems with my coach. If I were to meet Mourinho tomorrow, I would joke with him. I don’t hold a grudge.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty