Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that French midfielder Paul Pogba is no longer the team vice-captain, but denied that there is a strain in the relationship between them. Paul Pogba has been the captain of the team three times this season in the absence of regular captain Antonio Valencia. Mourinho's decision comes after the midfielder was critical of the team's style of play following the 1-1 draw against Wolves in the Premier League last weekend. "We are at home and we should play much better against Wolves. We are here to attack," Pogba said. "When we play like that it's easier for us."
Pogba was not included in the match squad for Wednesday's League Cup match against Derby, a match that the Red Devils lost after a penalty shoot-out. Before that match Mourinho explained his decision regarding Pogba: "The only truth is that I made the decision for Paul not to be the second captain anymore. But no fall out, no problems at all. The same person that decided Paul is not the second captain anymore is the same person that decided Paul was the second captain - myself. I'm the manager I can make these decisions, no fall out at all, no problems at all. Just a decision I do not have to explain."
About the match against Wolves, Mourinho said: "It was an important lesson; a lesson that I repeat week after week after week, a lesson that some boys are not learning. Every team that play Manchester United are playing the game of their lives, and we need to match that level of aggression, motivation and desire - 95% isn't enough when others give 101%." Paul Pogba was bought by Manchester United in 2016 for a then record fee of 89 million pounds from Juventus, but last season he seemed to fall out of Mourinho's favour and appeared to be unhappy at the club. Juventus and Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing the French international.
Paul Pogba is currently 16/1 at Skybet to become Manchester United's top goalscorer this season.
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