It is no secret anymore that United ace Paul Pogba and manager Jose Mourinho have their fair share of differences. Differences that originated in the 17-18 season as one of the costliest midfielders in the world was dropped after a series of display that clearly were below the standards Paul Pogba is known to produce.
Match against Tottenham Hotspur, Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba were apparently spotted arguing at the sidelines. The subsequent matches against Huddersfield and a rather crucial Champions League tie against Sevilla(who eventually knocked United out of the competition).
Both have spoken out after this incident and appeared to have cleared the air among them.
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“I change a few players and the intention was not to punish anyone”
– Mourinho on Pogba snub[/perfectpullquote]
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“It’s something that didn’t happen in the past, it’s not something I’m used to.
But, everyone has to go through this, it makes you stronger and makes you realise you have to work hard, because anything can happen.
It’s affected me in a good way.”
– Paul Pogba[/perfectpullquote]
The rumours of unrest and disagreement died down between Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho as the former was busy on France duty with successful World Cup campaign.
But as the Premier League transfer window entered its last week, reports of Barcelona interest came flooding in. Reports claimed that Mino Raiola has reportedly offered Pogba to Barcelona and the Catalan Giants were interested in signing the world cup winner. These reports further threw light on the souring relationship between Pogba and Mourinho. The reports even claimed Pogba having accepted the personal terms offered by Barcelona.
However the Premier league transfer window is now closed, but other top European Leagues have window open until the end of August and hence reports that the move of Pogba to Barcelona could still materialize are coming up.
The first week of Premier League action for United gave no reassurances to the fans. Mourinho offered the Captain’s armband to Pogba in a move, many thought to be, a show of confidence from Mourinho. But after the match Pogba was quoted saying,
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“There are things that I cannot say, otherwise I will get fined.
I’ll always give my best to the fans and my teammates no matter what’s going on.”
Pogba after Leicester match[/perfectpullquote]
Mourinho has been known for being hard on players that have not played on his terms. The most prominent being the feud with Ronaldo that saw him benched too. But that is not to conclude that Ronaldo later not only became an important part of the team but was pivotal in all the trophies Mourinho won at Real Madrid. The speculation of Pogba leaving seems to be a step too far.
For a creative player who loves to play attacking football, Mourinho was never going to be easy dealing with. Mkhitaryan can be cited as a latest prime example. If one plays for a coach who loves to defend, one has to defend more than attack.
Paul Pogba not happy at Manchester United. Says there are things he can’t talk about otherwise he would be fined. Barcelona trying to sign him. 3 years left on his contract. Spanish window closes 31 August
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 11, 2018
With Mourinho’s United this has been a problem for the creative attacking players, who love to be up on the pitch and have company in the opposition half, have to stay in their own half and use their energy on defending rather than pressing or attacking.
Several players including Paul Pogba has not been able to buy his way into Mourinho’s philosophy and is visibly struggling to perform happily. The marriage between Mourinho and the players hasn’t been as strong as he has exhibited at his previous clubs. The results are also reflecting because of appointing defensive minded manager at attacking suited club.
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