Paul Pogba has revealed that he is no longer allowed to speak to journalists after Manchester United matches following his recent criticism of Jose Mourinho's approach.
Pogba called on United to “attack, attack, attack” while speaking to reporters after last month’s draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers and was subsequently told he would not captain the team again under Mourinho.
The United midfielder had previously used the Old Trafford mixed zone to say that he would be fined if he spoke truthfully about whether or not he is happy at the club.
And when asked to stop and offer his thoughts on Tuesday night’s goalless Champions League draw with Valencia, Pogba informed journalists: “I’ve been told I’m not allowed [to talk].”
Pogba instead posted to his official social media channels, tweeting: “Let’s keep fighting United #mufc”
Three days earlier, after the 3-1 defeat to West Ham United at the London Stadium, the 25-year-old had responded to requests for comment from reporters by saying: “You want me dead?”
Pogba and Mourinho’s relationship has become strained over the past few months, with the midfielder’s agent Mino Raiola agitating for a move away from Old Trafford.
Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have all been touted as possible destinations for Pogba, who joined United for a then-world record £87.6m fee in 2016.
Pogba remains United’s all-time record signing and a highly valuable commercial asset to the club, with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reluctant to let him leave.
Mourinho, who is understood to be more open to the possibility of Pogba leaving, referenced the midfielder's tendency to stop in the mixed zone in a recent press conference.
On the subject of whether his relationship with Pogba was 'good', the United manager said: “I think Paul said that in one of his appearances in the famous mixed zone. That’s exactly it. He’s exactly correct. It is a good relation between player and manager.”
