UNITED IN CRISIS
POGBA v MOURINHO
UNITED have backed Jose Mourinho’s handling of Paul Pogba.
Having stripped the player of the vice-captaincy on Tuesday, a twominute video captured a terse discussion between the Reds boss and the French midfielder during a training session at Carrington yesterday.
It is believed the conversation related to Pogba’s Instagram post during United’s Carabao Cup defeat to Derby on Tuesday night.
Mourinho mistakenly thought the video was uploaded after the penalty shoot-out defeat, when it was actually filmed while play was going on much earlier in the game.
The United manager was completely aware of the nearby cameras filming the open training session yesterday, in which a seemingly affronted Pogba looked increasingly animated.
Pogba has explained his Instagram story clip, which was filmed from a hospitality area during the Derby game, belatedly went live due to a WiFi issue.
The 25-year-old was pictured gesturing to photographers as he was driven out of Carrington yesterday as doubt lingers over his United future.
The midfielder questioned the Reds’ tactics in the weekend draw with Wolves and Mourinho responded to Pogba’s analysis by taking the vice-captaincy from him.
It is unclear whether Pogba, who was rested against Derby, will be recalled at West Ham on Saturday.
Sources anticipate that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward may not approve of the training ground exchange being broadcast on Sky Sports News’ 24-hour rolling news channel throughout yesterday. Woodward backed Mourinho in
a statement that accompanied United’s financial results on Tuesday. “Everyone at the club is working tirelessly to add to Manchester United’s 66 and Jose’s 25 trophies,” Woodward said. “That is what our passionate fans and our history demands. “We’re committed to our philosophy of blending top academy graduates with world-class players and are proud that, once again, last season we had more academy graduate minutes on the pitch than any other Premier League club. “Our increased revenue expectation for the year demonstrates our continued strong long-term financial performance which underpins everything we do and allows us to compete for top talent in an increasingly competitive transfer market.” Pogba signed for United for £89m in 2016 and has three years left on his contract, while United have the option of an additional year. Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola advised him to rejoin United on the proviso that he moves to Spain after three years. Barcelona and Juventus have been linked with the World Cup winner.
Everyone at the club is working tirelessly to add to Manchester United’s 66 and Jose’s 25 trophies Ed Woodward