“He’s working well, he’s playing well, he does it for the fans and the team, and that’s what I want”
Despite talk of moves to Barcelona and Juventus last week, Paul Pogba remains a Manchester United player.
Reports claimed the French midfielder was unhappy with life at United, particularly his allegedly strained relationship with Jose Mourinho, and had agreed personal terms with Barca.
Pogba was given the captain’s armband by his manager for the first game of the new season. United beat Leicester 2-1 at Old Trafford a week ago, Pogba opening the scoring from an early penalty and putting in a man of the match performance for his club.
Despite this, comments he made to reporters after the game suggested all was not well and that he risked a fine in saying what he really felt about the matter.
Since then, further reports have emerged about the growing disharmony between Pogba and his manager, some even going as far as claiming Mourinho had told him he could leave United if a transfer request was submitted.
However, asked about his relationship with Pogba during a press conference on Friday afternoon, Mourinho poured cold water on claims that he was unhappy with the player, making it clear that he felt the complete opposite way.
“The truth is we are together for two years and a couple of weeks and I’ve never been so happy with him as I am now.” Mourinho responded.
“That’s the truth. I cannot demand or ask more from him. He came here on Monday, he trained three days. I asked for his support and contribution in an important match when the team had difficulties, and he did it.
“He did it better and for more time than we could expect. When he says he did it for the fans and for the team, it’s exactly what I want. It’s exactly what I demand from my players is what he’s giving me.
“He’s working well, he’s playing well, he does it for the fans and the team, and that’s what I want.
“I repeat, I couldn’t be happier.”
Perhaps this will be enough to silence talk of Pogba moving elsewhere? If only for another few months.
