The civil war engulfing Manchester United has caused a split in the dressing room at Old Trafford and there are worries that it is more than just a case of Paul Pogba vs Jose Mourinho
Mourinho had stripped Pogba of the club’s vice-captaincy in front of his teammates on Tuesday, the Portuguese having taken exception to the World Cup winner’s criticism of his tactics in the weekend draw with Wolves.
That was the final straw for Mourinho in that regard, after the United boss and his staff had been displeased by Pogba’s part in Wolves’ equaliser – losing the ball in midfield to Ruben Neves – and playing loud music on the top deck of the team bus ahead of the game.
Mourinho has subsequently taken Pogba to task in the dressing room post-game, but the breakdown of their relationship was further exacerbated on Wednesday at training.
Less than 24 hours after Mourinho had publicly denied there had been any falling out between the pair, the United boss wasted no time in becoming embroiled in a fresh spat with the £89million star, in footage picked up by Sky Sports’ cameras.
It was no coincidence that it occurred during the 15 minutes per week that United are contractually obliged to allow them to film.
Mourinho had taken exception to an Instagram story posted by Pogba during the Carabao Cup loss to Derby County and quickly called out Pogba as he arrived on the training field, quizzing press officer John Allen: “When did Paul post that Instagram?”
Now a relationship that has appeared to be little more than a marriage of convenience has reached breaking point, with Pogba wanting the exit and Mourinho wanting a January sale.
United’s board however believe that they will receive more money next summer, with £200million their desired amount.
The questions whether they can go that long, with the fall-out threatening to turn the atmosphere in the entire dressing room toxic and Mourinho’s man-management skills set to come in for their biggest ever test amid growing concerns that other first-team players will side with Pogba against the manager.
Unsurprisingly Anthony Martial is very much in the camp of his international teammate, having been at loggerheads with Mourinho for a large part of 2018.
Martial wanted to be sold after Alexis Sanchez’s arrival in January and conflict with Mourinho once more reared its head on the pre-season of the club’s US tour, with Martial going AWOL to be at the birth of his baby son in Paris; he was subsequently fined by the club and has made just one start in the Premier League this term.
Mourinho is also at odds with Eric Bailly, the Ivory Coast international who is no longer first choice. Bailly has fallen down the pecking order since pulling out of the fixture with West Brom in April; that defeat ultimately handed Manchester City the league title.
Luke Shaw has been back in favour with his manager this season, but his relationship with Mourinho is best described as fragile at the best of times.
Shaw was in the Instagram clip posted by Pogba on Tuesday night, as was Andreas Pereira, back at the club after a loan spell at Valencia but who is back on the periphery at Old Trafford.