Paul Pogba Man Utd bust-up theory: New reason suggested behind Jose Mourinho row

Posted Friday, August 17, 2018 by Express.co.uk

Paul Pogba Man Utd bust-up theory: New reason suggested behind Jose Mourinho row
Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho are at war at Manchester United (Image: GETTY)

PAUL INCE has suggested a new theory as to why Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho have had a Manchester United bust-up.

Pogba, who scored in Manchester United's season-opening win against Leicester on Friday as captain, is reported to have told of his desire to leave Old Trafford due to a strained relationship with Mourinho.

The World Cup winner did little to ease the situation after stating that there are things he "cannot say otherwise I will get fined".

United were desperate to sign new centre-backs this summer but flopped with late moves for Harry Maguire, Yerry Mina and Diego Godin.

It’s led former United midfielder Ince to suggest that the failed transfer swoops are why the pair are at war.

He told Paddy Power: “Some of the tension with Pogba I believe has come about because of what’s going on internally at the club.

“Mourinho had several centre-half targets, and didn’t manage to secure any of them. That is a real concern, and shouldn’t be happening at Manchester United.

“They’re still the biggest club in the world, but it’s a real worry if they can’t attract the big names or talent anymore. Players used to crawl on their knees to play for the club.

“The signings, paired with the Pogba issue, is definitely not how fans wanted to start the season.

United are adamant there has been no row between the pair but Ince reckons Pogba has got too big for his boots and believes the Frenchman is acting like he's bigger than the club.

"You'd like to think that when Paul Pogba went away to the World Cup, where he was fantastic, he'd have come back with a winners' medal and felt a lot happier going into the new season,” Ince said.

"But, since he's come back, he's been a nightmare. As a player, irrespective of whether you're happy or unhappy, there are ways to conduct yourself.

"He captained United in their opening game of the season against Leicester, played brilliantly, and then came out with those quotes afterwards.

"I really can't understand why he'd do that other than to get attention and set tongues wagging.

"Paul Pogba has got too much to say. Mourinho made him captain last week, which is a huge honour and one which he seems to underestimate.

"If Jose really thought so little of him, I doubt he'd have given him the armband. He had a great game, a real captain's performance, but no one is talking about that because they're too busy focussing on his off-field antics.

"I'm just not sure why he's coming out publicly and disrespecting the club. He's let himself down. All he needs to speak about is the team and their performances, rather than himself. It shows a lack of professionalism and discipline."

It’s been claimed Pogba, 25, knows that it will be difficult to secure a move in the next two weeks but is prepared to wait until January or next summer to get his wish.

Premier League legend Alan Shearer thinks it’s time for a statement to be issued to end the United uncertainty.

He told Coral: “I would be amazed if United were to sell Pogba before the end of the month now. We don’t know what has gone on in the background but nobody is coming out and denying it, not the player or his agent.

“If they were prepared to sell him they should have done it before the English window shut so they could replace him.

“I know the player or their representative does not have to make a statement but it would certainly defuse the situation if they did come out and say something, rather than allowing all the media speculation.”