in

Mourinho hits out at ‘lies’ about Pogba relationship

Manchester United’s record signing Paul Pogba has come in for some heavy criticism in recent weeks, after he put in a couple of sub par performances for the Old Trafford club.

Speculation has been building in recent days that the France international is unhappy with the role he is being asked to play by his manager Jose Mourinho, and that the relationship between the pair has become strained.

However, speaking ahead of his sides FA Cup fifth round tie away to Huddersfield tomorrow, the Red Devil’s Portuguese coach blasted these reports when he said:

“I think you are nice with your words because when you say a lot of speculation you should say a lot of lies,”

“I can speak on Paul’s behalf without any kind of problem. He accepts he’s not been playing well in the last few matches, but that’s all. The majority of the things you can read and listen to – don’t be nice, be objective and say lies.

“I don’t have to speak with you about conversations with my players. It’s my problem and the player’s problem. It’s a big lie that our relationship is not good. It’s a big lie that we don’t communicate. It’s a big lie that we don’t agree with his position and his dynamic within the team.  So be objective and say what we all know – in the last couple of matches he didn’t play well. Period.”

Pogba struggled with the defensive duties required when playing in a midfield two with Nemanja Matic, during his sides recent away defeats to Spurs and Newcastle.

Reports surfaced earlier this week that the 24-year-old wants to be utilised on the left of a midfield three, which is the role he thrived in during his time in Italy with Juventus.