Pogba’ll Not Captain Man-U Again- Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has insisted that Paul Pogba will no longer captain Manchester United as tensions between the United’s star midfielder and manager continue to rise.

Pogba has deputised as skipper in the absence of club captain Antonio Valencia on three occasions this season against Leicester and Brighton in the Premier League and a Champions League trip to Young Boys.

However, the French World Cup winner’s latest outspoken comments criticising United’s overly negative tactics after a 1-1 draw at home to newly-promoted Wolves on Saturday have provoked a reaction from Mourinho.

“The only truth is I made the decision of Paul not to be the second captain anymore,” said Mourinho after Tuesday’s League Cup defeat to Derby County on penalties for which Pogba was rested.

“I am the manager I make these decisions, no fall out at all, no problem at all. The same person who takes the decision to make him the second captain makes this decision now.”

According to The Times, Mourinho informed Pogba in front of his team-mates on Tuesday, claiming the 25-year-old “doesn’t represent what a captain is and Manchester United is bigger than anyone”.

The decision is the latest twist in an acrimonious relationship between the pair dating back to Mourinho dropping Pogba routinely for big games last season.

“Mourinho’s message to the United squad, delivered at Carrington today, was designed to underline his authority and remind the players that he is in charge,” added The Times report.