PARIS: Paul Pogba has refused to rule out a move away from Manchester United, hinting at strains in his relationship with Jose Mourinho after a difficult season at Old Trafford. The £89 million ($119 million) France international has had a tricky second season back at United, being left out of the side or substituted early many times. On other occasions manager, Mourinho has publicly questioned his contributions, while transfer talk refuses to die down. Asked by French television station Canal Plus if he would remain a United player, the 25-year-old declined to give a cast-iron commitment. “You can never be sure of anything,” he said. “But contractually, it’s sure, yes. I can never look far into the future. It also depends how it goes with the club, how things work out.” Pogba also discussed his relationship with Mourinho, saying the pair did not have to have the perfect bond to work together professionally. “There were times where I wasn’t playing, I was on the bench,” he said. “There was a lot of talk, people thought it wasn’t working out, but a coach and a player don’t have to be best friends, we don´t have to go to restaurants together. “I had a few little problems too… football is sometimes all about the mental side. He put me on the bench and I gave my response on the pitch. I always give everything I’ve got.” And Pogba said being handed the captain’s armband in certain matches had helped him.
Published in Daily Times, May 22nd 2018.