Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has insisted that he has not had a fight or a war of words with Paul Pogba and stressed that he is happier than ever with his conduct on and off the pitch.
Pogba started and played more than 80 minutes in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Leicester City last Friday despite training only for three days after returning from his post-World Cup break.
The Frenchman indicated that his relationship with the Manchester United manager is not at its best following the game, but Mourinho stressed that he is happier than ever with Pogba’s conduct since he returned to training.
The Manchester United boss insisted that he cannot demand anything more from the Frenchman and he is happy that Pogba is playing for the team and the fans.
Mourinho said in a press conference: “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, that’s the truth.
“I cannot demand more from him, I cannot ask more from him, he came here on a Monday, trained three days, I asked for his support for his contribution in an important match for us when the team had difficulties.
“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 is exactly what I want, is exactly what I demand from my player.
“He’s working well, playing well, he does for the fans, he does for the team and that’s what I want, to play for the team and I couldn’t be happier than what I am.”
Reports emerged earlier this week that he had a bust-up with Mourinho following his words last Friday after the game, but the Portuguese insisted that he has no problem with the midfielder.
He claimed that he never had a fight or a training ground bust-up with Pogba and termed the recent speculation lies.
Asked about Pogba’s words last week, he said: “I don’t care. I repeat: I want him to play well, I want him to play for that team, the fans, and that is what it is.
“He’s working extremely well here but I have to say in his defence, write what you want about him, me, please don’t say lies, don’t put him in a situation that people can think he’s not a polite, educated guy, he is.
“He never had a fight with me. We never had a harsh exchange of words, everything is respected and I have no problems at all.”
