By Daily Sports on December 20, 2018

Jose Mourinho’s relationship with Paul Pogba at Manchester United had deteriorated to such an extent during his final weeks as manager at Old Trafford that the Portuguese told at least one member of his squad to “stay away” from the midfielder, sources have told ESPN FC.

Mourinho and Pogba had become increasingly detached and distrusting of each other since the player was substituted during a 2-0 defeat against Tottenham at Wembley in January, but by the time Mourinho was sacked on Tuesday, the disaffection had spread throughout the dressing room.

While Mourinho refused to comment on reports earlier this month that he had described Pogba as a “virus” following the 2-2 draw against Southampton at St Mary’s, his opinion was made clear when he urged one of his senior players, during a one-on-one meeting, to avoid being influenced by the France international.

Unsurprisingly, the message from Mourinho was quickly relayed to the dressing room, where the depth of ill-feeling towards the manager was such that sources have told ESPN FC that “90 percent” of the players had lost all respect for the former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach due to his critical treatment of them, both in the dressing room and in public.

Had Mourinho remained in charge, several players were prepared to seek a move away from Old Trafford next summer, but sources said that the mood has now changed significantly since Tuesday’s sacking and the squad are now looking forward to “enjoying their football and their life again.”

Mourinho did not make a final visit to the dressing room on Tuesday after being told by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward that he had lost his job. (ESPN)

•Photo shows Paul Pogba

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 20, 2018

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