Paul Ince thinks the summer transfer window may be partly responsible for the breakdown in the relationship between Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho.
The former Man United player added that he thinks Pogba has come back from the World Cup essentially too big for his boots, and needs to put his head down and get on with things.
The midfielder was Man of the Match and skipper in United’s opening game, and while Mourinho was full of praise for Pogba after said match, the player himself was less than glowing.
Pogba noted that he can’t speak or he will be fined for saying what he thinks, and rumours of a move to Barcelona and a further bust-up with Jose Mourinho have dogged the player and the club since Friday night’s remarks.
Ince said to Paddy Power: “Some of the tension with Pogba I believe has come about because of what’s going on internally at the club.
“Mourinho had several centre-half targets, and didn’t manage to secure any of them. That is a real concern, and shouldn’t be happening at Manchester United.
“They’re still the biggest club in the world, but it’s a real worry if they can’t attract the big names or talent anymore. Players used to crawl on their knees to play for the club.
“The signings, paired with the Pogba issue, is definitely not how fans wanted to start the season.
“You’d like to think that when Paul Pogba went away to the World Cup, where he was fantastic, he’d have come back with a winners’ medal and felt a lot happier going into the new season.
“But, since he’s come back, he’s been a nightmare. As a player, irrespective of whether you’re happy or unhappy, there are ways to conduct yourself.
“He captained United in their opening game of the season against Leicester, played brilliantly, and then came out with those quotes afterwards.
“I really can’t understand why he’d do that other than to get attention and set tongues wagging.
“Paul Pogba has got too much to say. Mourinho made him captain last week, which is a huge honour and one which he seems to underestimate.
“If Jose really thought so little of him, I doubt he’d have given him the armband. He had a great game, a real captain’s performance, but no one is talking about that because they’re too busy focussing on his off-field antics.
“I’m just not sure why he’s coming out publicly and disrespecting the club. He’s let himself down. All he needs to speak about is the team and their performances, rather than himself. It shows a lack of professionalism and discipline.”
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