United exit Cup as Mourinho’s Pogba spat hits new low
JOSE Mourinho has stripped Paul Pogba of the vice-captaincy but the Manchester United manager denied claims he has fallen out with the midfielder.
The news came on a dramatic day at Old Trafford, where the hosts deservedly bowed out of the Carabao Cup to Derby on penalties as a cloud above their £89m club-record signing hung overhead.
In the build-up to the thirdround tie it was claimed that Mourinho had told Pogba (right) that he would not captain United again, delivering the message in front of the squad.
It was reported that the decision was taken as the midfielder does not embody what the club is about, seemingly taking the tense relationship between the manager and their star turn to a new low.
Mourinho confirmed after the 2-2 draw and 8-7 shoot-out loss to Frank Lampard’s Derby that he had made the decision to take the vice-captaincy off Pogba, but tried to claim there was no problem between them.
He said: “The only truth is that I made the decision of Paul not to be the second captain any more but no fall-out, no problems at all.
“The same person that decides that Paul is not the second captain any more is the same person who decides that Paul was the second captain — myself. I am the manager, I can make these decisions. No fall-out at all, no problems at all, just one decision that I don’t have to explain.”
Mourinho said shortly before kick-off that Pogba and others had been “rested” for the Derby game as he made a host of changes. Pogba, wearing a white hooded top, was seen in the Old Trafford stands with fellow United players during the match.
JOSE Mourinho has confirmed that Paul Pogba will no longer be Manchester United’s ‘second captain’ but claimed after last night’s Carabao Cup defeat to Derby County there has been “no fall-out” between him and the midfielder.
Pogba watched from the stands as United were eliminated by Frank Lampard’s second-tier side, who triumphed 8-7 on penalties following a pulsating 2-2 draw.
Juan Mata had given United an early lead only for Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson’s extraordinary 59th minute free-kick to draw the Rams level.
Home keeper Sergio Romero was sent off for handling outside the area soon later and, when replacement Lee Grant was beaten by Jack Marriott’s header four minutes from time, Mourinho’s side looked to be heading out.
Marouane Fellaini rescued them with an equaliser deep into injury-time but United’s stay of execution would be a temporary one thanks to Phil Jones’ pitiful penalty being saved by Scott Carson after the sides had previously shared 15 successful efforts.
The hours leading up to kickoff were dominated by news that Pogba would no longer captain Mourinho’s side, following his recent criticism of United’s playing style.
The Frenchman had stood in for club captain Antonio Valencia on several occasions already this season, but Mourinho confirmed after United’s defeat that would no longer be the case.
When asked whether he and the midfielder had fallen out, Mourinho said: “No. The only truth is that I made a decision of Paul not to be the second captain anymore.
“But no fall-out. No problems at all. The same person that decides Paul is not the second captain anymore is the same person that decides that Paul was the second captain — myself.”
Mourinho, who did not hold a post-match press conference as Carabao Cup rules do not require him to do so, suggested he would not expand on the reasons behind his decision if asked.
“I am the manager, I can make these decisions,” he added. “No fall-out at all. No problems. Just one decision that I don’t have to explain.”
On the pitch, United began brightly with Romelu Lukaku flicking Anthony Martial’s pass into the path of Jesse Lingard in the third minute. The England
international smartly laid off to Mata, who found the net.
Wilson saw an attempt bobble just wide after a fine Romero stop early in the second half, but
the 21-year-old would not be denied for long.
Stepping up to a free-kick 30 yards from goal, Wilson struck with power and swerve to leave Romero motionless as the ball flew into the top corner.
Derby had the momentum and Wilson soon got on the end of a long ball, leading Romero to handle outside the box.
Referee Stuart Attwell showed a straight red card to the goalkeeper, leading third choice Grant to come on for his debut against his former club.
He showed great reflexes to tip substitute Florian Jozefzoon’s effort wide, but he would be beaten in the 86th minute as Marriott reacted quickest to turn home after Mount’s attempt was stopped.
Many United fans headed for the exit as their hopes of a leveller looked set to fall short, only for Fellaini to bundle home Diogo Dalot’s fine cross in front of the Stretford End deep in stoppage time.
But the hosts’ disappointment would only be delayed.
Jones was the eighth United player to take a spot-kick and the first person to fail, with Carson’s low save sending Derby wild.