Paul Pogba will make his Manchester United return against West Ham on Saturday but Jose Mourinho remains adamant he was justified in stripping the midfielder of the vice-captaincy. The France international was rested in midweek as United crashed out of the Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout defeat against Derby County at Old Trafford. Reports of Pogba’s punishment, prompted by his criticism of Mourinho’s tactics during the 1-1 draw with Wolves last weekend, broke several hours the game against the Championship promotion hopefuls.
Despite the uncertainty that continues to surround Pogba’s future – the 24-year-old widely reported to be pushing for a move to Barcelona – Mourinho is set to select him against the Hammers as United look to get back to winning ways.
Tomorrow he plays,’ confirmed Mourinho. ‘I explain very detailed to the people that has to know in detail, which is the squad and especially Paul, so Paul and the other players in the squad know in detail the reason why myself and my coaching staff, we decide to do that and I always analyse a player as a player when a player is captain, I analyse the player by the player and captain perspective. ‘And after weeks of analysing and changing opinions with my coaching staff we made the decision Paul is just a player and not a captain. Decision made. ‘I informed the player and the players and when I was asked before the match on Tuesday I confirm and now I confirm and now end of the story.
I can anticipate more questions by saying the relation of player manager is good, is not anymore a relation, captain or whether the captain’s manager, the relation is good, nobody trained better than Paul Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, nobody trained better than him, some trained as well, but nobody better. And tomorrow he plays, so end of the story.’
A frosty exchange between Mourinho and Pogba was filmed during an open training session earlier this week, but the United manager insists the former Juventus star’s attitude this week has been exemplary.
He said: ‘No, he’s a player like the others, no player is bigger than the club and if I’m happy with his work he plays if I’m not happy he doesn’t play, I’m happy with his work this week, really happy. ‘Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday especially because today was not so significant but he trained really well, the team needs good players, players with personality to play, he has and he plays tomorrow. The only thing I’m concerned is you don’t ask me questions which is more important, the match.’
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