For the second time in three league matches, Paul Pogba was substituted with United trailing in a game they went on to lose. For the same thing to happen again 11 days later suggests that whatever Mourinho’s message is, Pogba is not getting it. As long as Mourinho persists in this delusion Pogba will struggle to fulfil his potential. Subbing Pogba off leaves nobody in any doubt where Mourinho thinks the blame belongs for the two recent damaging defeats. But if Mourinho ever wants to get the best out of his record signing, he must understand that Pogba doesn’t need to be punished.

Source: The Irish Times February 12, 2018 06:56 UTC