'Like boyfriend and girlfriend' — Paul Pogba opens up on relationship with Jose Mourinho

Pogba returned to Manchester United from Juventus in the summer of 2016, after Mourinho was appointed manager, and both parties spoke glowingly of each other during that first season.

In the 2017/2018 season, Pogba played a significant role as the team finished in second place behind Manchester City. However, tension started to appear between the maverick midfielder and the Portuguese tactician.

During Mourinho’s final season, A viral clip showed both parties in an uncomfortable situation during training.

That clip heightened tensions between the duo as Mourinho left the France midfielder out of several important games, including a Champions League knockout tie against Sevilla.

Pogba, who has now had his doping ban reduced and is free to return to football from January, 2025, has reflected on his time under Mourinho:

“It was good in the beginning. He was actually one of the reasons I signed for Manchester United the second time.

“Then it changed and became this nightmare.

“My relationship with Mourinho was like that of a boyfriend and girlfriend, fighting and making up.”

Speaking about the viral training ground clip, Pogba said:

“I don’t know what happened, I was surprised too, we will have to ask Jose.”

Meanwhile, Pogba and current club Juventus are reportedly discussing contract termination and a return to England has been mooted, as well as Ligue 1 side Marseille and the MLS.