That is the view of France and Arsenal legend Robert Pires. Pogba and Mourinho’s relationship has taken a significant hit after a series of incidents this season including criticism of team tactics, the midfielder’s demotion as deputy captain and a training ground rebuke.
On Saturday, Manchester United then found themselves 2-0 down to Newcastle but Pogba inspired a second-half fightback as they won 3-2. Pogba is now with his France team-mates as they gear up for matches against Iceland and Uruguay.
And Pires believes Pogba needs to remain professional for the sake of his football. “For Paul Pogba, the best is to say nothing,” Pires told Reuters.
“He’s a great player. If Man United paid a lot of money for him, it’s because he’s a good player.
“His relationship with the manager may not be so good but he’s a professional. mIt’s very important for him to be focussed on Man United, on the pitch.Now say nothing, play football and walk out – that’s my advice for Paul Pogba.”
Former United striker Louis Saha hit out at Pogba, accusing the 25-year-old of deliberately undermining his manager.
“I think he (Pogba) has done it on purpose, and I don’t think that is right,” Saha, 40, said.It’s the wrong communication, it puts pressure on the manager… with those talks you should do it in the dressing room with your manager.
“You know that people will question about it, so don’t do it. This is my opinion and I would have said that to him, I would say ‘No, that’s not something to say because you are not the manager.’”
Mourinho, meanwhile, was rather critical when discussing Rashford’s performance against Newcastle. He said: “Rashford was sad on the pitch, Scott [McTominay] was scared on the pitch.
“Maybe it was my wrong decision to play Marcus and Scott. They were not ready for this level of pressure that the man-hunting is bringing.
“The boys woke up on Saturday and they didn’t know if I was going to be at the game or not. For big boys like me it’s no problem. But for younger people I think ‘problem’ — and I think in the first half they clearly showed that.”
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