Paul Pogba has revealed that he is no longer allowed to speak to journalists after Manchester United matches following his recent criticism of Jose Mourinho‘s approach.
Pogba called on United to “attack, attack, attack” while speaking to reporters after last month’s draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers and was subsequently told he would not captain the team again under Mourinho.
The United midfielder had previously used the Old Trafford mixed zone to say that he would be fined if he spoke truthfully about whether or not he is happy at the club.And when asked to stop and offer his thoughts on Tuesday night’s goalless Champions League draw with Valencia, Pogba informed journalists: “I’ve been told I’m not allowed [to talk].”
Pogba instead posted to his official social media channels, tweeting: “Let’s keep fighting United #mufc”
Three days earlier, after the 3-1 defeat to West Ham United at the London Stadium, the 25-year-old had responded to requests for comment from reporters by saying: “You want me dead?”
Pogba and Mourinho’s relationship has become strained over the past few months, with the midfielder’s agent Mino Raiola agitating for a move away from Old Trafford.
Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have all been touted as possible destinations for Pogba, who joined United for a then-world record £87.6m fee in 2016.
Pogba remains United’s all-time record signing and a highly valuable commercial asset to the club, with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reluctant to let him leave.Paul
Pogba has also issued a rallying cry to Manchester United’s players and fans after the dire goalless draw with Valencia in their Champions League clash.
United could not find a way through at Old Trafford, leading to scathing criticism from pundits including club legend Paul Scholes.
But Pogba has attempted to lift the spirits of his team-mates and fans with a post on social media.
“Let’s keep fighting United”, the post on Twitter read.
Let’s keep fighting United #mufc pic.twitter.com/b2Cu682OAc
— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) October 2, 2018
With Jose Mourinho having appeared to question Pogba’s commitment and attitude on a number of occasions, along with other players, this was perhaps a fitting riposte.Fans, however, latched on to the post to show how divided they are over the Mourinho and Pogba feud.
Here's a thought ….. how about the fight starts with the players? After all, you're the ones making money whilst the fans are spending it to support you.
— Margaret Clegg (@mclegg11) October 2, 2018
Let’s see you do your talking on the pitch Paul. You need to really pick your game up and take this team forward. You have all the ability but we aren’t seeing it. We need to see much more 🙏
— Billy (@billykelly123) October 2, 2018