Share

Pogba tight-lipped over United situation

London - Paul Pogba added fuel to rumours of his deteriorating relationship with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, saying he could not express himself for fear of being fined.

The 25-year-old - who scored a superb goal in France's 4-2 victory over Croatia in the World Cup final - was credited with a 'monster performance' by Mourinho in United's opening 2-1 Premier League win over Leicester City on Friday.

However, Pogba is known to be upset by Mourinho's remarks about his performances at the World Cup compared to those for his club last season.

Mourinho had implied Pogba - whose agent Mini Raiola has reportedly been talking with Barcelona - had flourished under Didier Deschamps at the World Cup because he could not be distracted by his entourage or by his commercial obligations.

"There are things and there are things that I cannot say otherwise I will get fined," Pogba told the British press after the Leicester match in a rare occasion he has stopped to speak with them.

Pogba, who was given the captaincy by Mourinho on Friday, summed up what it meant for him to be happy and comfortable.

"If you're not happy, you cannot give your best," said Pogba.

"You have to know one thing: a player that gets chosen and is happy, you always feel more comfortable than when he's not happy. That's all I say."

Pogba, who was dropped by Mourinho for both legs of the Champions League last-16 loss to Sevilla last term, said there were differences between playing for France and United.

"I am the same, but it's a different team, obviously," said Pogba.

"I still enjoying playing football but like I said, when you are comfortable or confident and are good in the head, it's going to be easier."

Pogba said "everybody was on the same page" in the France dressing room, from Deschamps to the staff and players -- that has not necessarily been the case at United with several players at different times singled out for public criticism by Mourinho.

"When you have everybody with you, everybody next to you, you know they want to fight for you, obviously it's going to be easier," he said.

However, Pogba -- who could still leave despite last Thursday's English transfer deadline day as most European leagues keep their transfer windows open until the end of August -- professed his deep love for the club.

"I always love the club (United). I came from the academy, I played for the first team. For me, it was a dream come true."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1817 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1777 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE