Jose Mourinho’s relationship with Paul Pogba started to deteriorate when the midfielder ignored the Manchester United manager’s instructions earlier this season, according to reports.
Pogba has started just 4 of Manchester United’s last 11 matches due to a combination of injury and poor form, while reports last month had it that Mourinho was involved in a heated bust-up with the France international.
United’s hierarchy is already concerned about Mourinho’s treatment of Luke Shaw, who was substituted at half-time and subsequently criticised for his display in the 2-0 win over Brighton before the international break. And The Sun reports that staff at Old Trafford are also distancing themselves from Mourinho due the breakdown in his relationship with Pogba.
The report claims that Mourinho’s anger with the £89 million midfielder stems from an argument over the treatment for his hamstring injury in October.
Mourinho had advised Pogba to remain in Manchester for the duration of his recovery, but instead, Pogba flew out to Miami for treatment. ‘The freeze between Pogba and Jose can be traced back to when he was ruled out injured,’ a source at United told The Sun.
‘You could feel there was a stand-off. Jose was told Pogba wanted to do his rehab in Miami. ‘The manager felt he would be better served staying in Manchester. He wanted to keep a closer eye. ‘Pogba decided he wanted to go anyway, which did not go down well at the time.’
