Mourinho says Pogba will never be captain again  

Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba’s frictional relationship hit a new low as the Manchester United boss decided to relieve the Frenchman from his captaincy duties. According to reports, Mourinho told the squad that Pogba will ‘never’ wear the armband for Manchester United again.

Pogba and Mourinho have endured a rocky association from the past 12 months or so. While the midfielder has come under scrutiny for his inconsistency on the pitch, the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss has been criticised for his defensive tactics. 

The struggles have carried on this season as well. The Red Devils sit on 7^th place in the Premier League table, already eight points adrift of rivals and leaders Liverpool. Pogba was handed the captaincy in Antonio Valencia’s absence, but his recent comments about United’s approach have infuriated the gaffer, according to reports from The Times.

Later, Mourinho himself confirmed that the World Cup-winning French midfielder is no longer the vice-captain of the team and also refused to explain his decision.

'No. The only truth [to the reports] is that I made the decision for Paul not to be the second captain anymore.

'But no fallout, 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.'

However, due to the dissatisfaction of these two footballing professionals with each other, Mourinho has decided not to give the Frenchman any further responsibilities. Due to the magnitude of this issue at the club, it is safe to say that Pogba may not be a Manchester United player next year.

Only time will bring out Mourinho and Pogba’s status at Old Trafford into the open. It will be interesting to see if Pogba is included in the matchday squad on Saturday when United play West Ham in the league.