Jose Mourinho has rubbished suggestions his relationship with Manchester United star Paul Pogba is at an all-time low.
There have been rumours of discontent between Pogba and Mourinho since the end of last season and the former’s agent has even tried to broker a move to Barcelona this summer.
Pogba took the unusual step to reveal he would be fined if he spoke his mind in the aftermath of United’s 2-1 victory over Leicester a week ago.
Fresh reports have emerged since then of another coming-together between player and manager, even claiming Mourinho told Pogba he could leave if he handed in a transfer request.
However, Mourinho has poured cold water of these suggestions and insists he has never been happier with the 2018 World Cup winners contribution than he is now.
“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,” The Daily Mirror quote Mourinho as saying. “I cannot demand more from him, I cannot ask more from him.
“He came here on the 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 players. 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.
“I don’t care [about his comments]. 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 and me, but please don’t say lies, don’t put him in a situation that people can think he’s not polite, educated guy, he is.
“He never had a fight with me. We never had a heated exchanged of words, everything is respected I have no problems at all.”
Mourinho made Pogba captain against Leicester and the 25-year-old will keep the armband against Brighton on Sunday.
Antonio Valencia was made club skipper during the summer but there have been suggestions Mourinho could give the armband to Pogba on a full-time basis even when Valencia returns from injury.
Mourinho was unhappy with Valencia’s condition upon his return to pre-season and many have suggested making Pogba captain is the responsibility and trust he craves at Old Trafford.
Despite such little pre-season, Pogba delivered an outstanding performance in United’s opener, netting from the penalty spot to send the Red Devils on their way to three points.
