Paul Pogba has revealed that Jose Mourinho becoming "p****d off" with relentless media questions about the midfielder's injury issues and Manchester United future played a significant role in their dramatic fallout at Old Trafford. The French star, who rejoined United in a then world-record £89 million deal in 2016, was involved in multiple public clashes with Mourinho before the Portuguese manager was sacked in December 2018.
Injury Problems Sparked Initial Tensions
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Pogba—now at Monaco after returning to football following an 18-month doping ban—claims the problems between the pair began with his injury struggles. "You don't want to be mean, I don't have any problem with any coaches," Pogba said. "I always respect, always respect. They tell me what to do. They are the boss. That's the truth. They are the boss. They decide if you play or not."
Pogba explained that their relationship started positively, with friendly messages exchanged, describing Mourinho as "a really funny man" and "really special." However, he believes injuries created the breakdown. "When always the media ask him questions about me, maybe makes him a bit like, 'OK is he done?' And this is the problem also with me, like a lot of people they love to ask about me. Always Paul, Paul, Paul, and that probably p****d him off."
Picture Incident and Public Spats
Pogba previously claimed relations deteriorated when Mourinho sent a picture of him to his agent Mino Raiola while he was recovering from injury, leaving the player furious. He alleges Mourinho questioned his decision to take a rehab break to the United States and forwarded to Raiola a picture of him and his wife Zulay in Miami.
Mourinho also stripped Pogba of the vice-captaincy and made backhanded comments about the Frenchman's performances for his country before a dramatic training-ground spat was captured by television cameras. The Portuguese allegedly referred to Pogba as a "virus," comments which did not go down well in the midfielder's camp.
Pogba's Disillusionment with United's Changed Culture
Pogba opened up on the differences at United from his first spell as a promising youngster to his second stint, revealing he told compatriot and friend Patrice Evra shortly after his return that he wasn't sure he would see out his contract. "I talked to Pat and said everything is different. The energy is different," Pogba told Ferdinand. "I said when I left, it wasn't like that. You came to Manchester United with a clear idea of the culture of Manchester United. And it was a bit... it was different."
He elaborated that even mundane aspects like the food had changed, making the environment feel "a bit weird." "I told Pat I don't know if I'll finish my contract basically here because I don't feel like it's the same. It's not the same club as when I left."
Post-United Career Challenges
Pogba ultimately saw out his deal at United before leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer to return to Juventus in the summer of 2022. However, his stint back in Italy was marred by injuries and a doping ban. He was initially suspended for four years before the ban was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The 2018 World Cup winner left Juventus in November 2024 and went seven months without a club before signing for Monaco on a two-year deal, marking a new chapter in his turbulent career.
