Pogba denies poor relationship with Manchester United boss

Paul Pogba has denied he has a problem with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and insists he does not regret returning to Old Trafford in 2016.

The France international is midway through his third season back at United after re-signing for the Red Devils in a stunning €100m deal from Juventus but he has endured mixed fortunes in that period.

Pogba’s relationship with Mourinho has be the centre of attention since the end of last season but the 2018 World Cup moved to deny any issues on the eve of United’s Champions League clash with Juventus.

“I’m just the player, I do what he tells me to do because he’s the boss, he’s the manager,” Sky Sports quote Pogba as saying on Tuesday evening.

“I listen and that’s it. I enjoy it. I listen and do it with happiness. I’m still playing and I’m happy to play. The manager is the one who chooses who will be captain.

“If he takes the armband it doesn't change anything for me – I just want to play, perform, that’s my job and give my best for everybody, for the fans the club, that’s it. It didn’t affect me. Nothing changed really.

“Choosing to come back to Manchester United was my choice. Juventus were playing Champions League and Manchester were playing Europa League. I knew first of all I wouldn’t play Champions League and I was very happy.

“I made my choice and don’t regret it at all. I know Manchester the last few years are not being at the top but I came back just to help the team and try to come back at the top so we are on the way.

“We have a lot of goals so, for me, no it’s not strange. It’s a choice and I don’t regret it at all. I’m very happy to come back to Manchester United and wear the shirt and everything. I’m sure we will come back to our best.

“Do I look sad? I’m happy. Like I said again, I’m happy to wear the shirt, I’m really happy to come back to Manchester United wearing this shirt playing for this team, this big club.

“Obviously when you play in a big club like that there is always talk about this club. We know anything can go on but on the pitch always happy, always with a smile, fighting for my team-mates club and fans. That’s what I do and I’m really happy to do that.”

Despite off-field problems, Pogba has been in terrific form on the pitch this season. The 25-year-old has been directly involved in nine goals in 14 appearances across league and European competition this season (five goals, four assists).

Pogba returns to Juventus on Wednesday night for the first time since leaving the Old Lady and United must win to have any chance of topping their Champions League group.