Pogba
Jose Mourinho has hit out at Paul Pogba in an interview after Manchester United’s latest loss.
The Red Devils lost to Newcastle by a one goal margin, and the United boss aimed the dig at Pogba without naming him, noting that one player – Pogba – lost the challenge in the air, and then the goal happened.
“We train, we work, we organise… and the players have their individual jobs when they defend zonal.
“The players they know there are responsibilities but I am pretty sure you already watch that goal on TV a few times, I didn’t.
“So you know more than me and you know who lost the challenge in the air, you know clearly that so I think it is bad if you put me in a position where I have to criticise a player.
“By yourself you make your own analysis.”
Pogba had a poor game and was once again taken off – and even appeared to be limping through the mixed zone following the game, sparking fears the player could well be injured and that he may miss the upcoming games.
Smalling
The one player who many decided was at fault however was Chris Smalling, who had a terrible game – and it was said defender who Mourinho actually defended following the game, and made it clear he thinks defenders have to give away fouls at some point – and it seems that the main annoyance for the United boss was actually that the side managed to lose balls in the air – something they simply don’t expect and something the manager will not accept.
He added: “A defender has to concede free-kicks now and again.
“It was an intuitive thing. Players [who do it] in the box deserve a card more than [Chris] Smalling in that situation. ‘Clearly I know we lost the duel in the air and it’s difficult to accept that.”