Paul Pogba sets record straight on explosive Jose Mourinho feud that marred Man Utd career

Jack Otway
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:20:38 +0000

Paul Pogba has insisted he's got nothing but respect for Jose Mourinho, despite their bitter relationship at Manchester United.

Mourinho brought Pogba back to Old Trafford back in the summer transfer window of 2016, with the midfielder returning four years after he'd left for Juventus.

Things initially started well, with Pogba helping United win the EFL Cup and Europa League during his first season back in England.

However, things then changed. Mourinho and Pogba's relationship broke down in 2018, with the Portuguese coach often choosing the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred over him instead.

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Mourinho ultimately left United in 2018, while Pogba would later follow suit in 2022 having failed to win the Premier League title.

Now, speaking on Rio Ferdinand's podcast, Pogba has set the record straight on their relationship - while also explaining why he thinks Mourinho turned on him.

The World Cup winner, now at Monaco, said: "You don't want to be mean, I don't have any problem with any coaches.

"I always respect, always respect. They tell me what to do. They are the boss. That's the truth. They are the boss. They decide if you play or not.

"We were very cool at the start, sending messages and stuff like that. He's a really funny man. He's a funny guy. He's really special, to be honest. And after a time, I think the injuries created that [a breakdown in relations].

"When always the media ask him questions about me, maybe makes him a bit like, "OK is he done?" And this is the problem also with me, like a lot of people they love to ask about me. Always Paul, Paul, Paul, and that probably p****d him off."

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Pogba had some sensational moments for United.

Ultimately, however, he left having never come close to winning the Premier League and Champions League titles.

Pogba revealed he had a bad feeling about his second spell just months after returning, suggesting there was a change in 'energy' that wasn't there the first time around.

"I talked to Pat [Patrice Evra] and said everything is different. The energy is different," he said.

"I said when I left, it wasn't like that. You came to Manchester United with a clear idea of the culture of Manchester United. And it was a bit... it was different.

"Even the food, everything inside was different. It was a bit weird.

"I told Pat I don't know if I'll finish my contract basically here because I don't feel like it's the same. It's not the same club as when I left."

Pogba currently plays for Monaco in France, though has been plagued by injuries since joining.

His hopes of playing at this summer's World Cup are already all but over, with France set to be among the favourites for the tournament in North America.