Rooney saw the early signs of their relationship breaking down
The pervading theme of José Mourinho’s reign at Manchester United was his ongoing feud with Paul Pogba. In an apparent attempt to stamp down his authority in the dressing room, Mourinho picked a battle with the team’s star player – a world record signing at the time.
But for many reasons, both tactical and personal, it never worked out and former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney thinks he knows why.
Speaking to ESPN, Rooney said: “I think with Paul, I watched him come through the academy at United and he’s got a lot of ability.
“If you don’t have a good relationship with the coach, then it’s difficult to be at your top if you feel like the coach is scrutinising every decision you make, every pass you make.
“Paul Pogba will give the ball away, he’ll try passes [and] it won’t be the right pass at times.”
“But you have to let him do that because two or three of them passes will create goals, will create opportunities. I think he found it difficult under Mourinho.”
The significant improvement in Pogba’s performances since Solskjaer’s appointment would seem to back Rooney’s case. The Frenchman is now enjoying more freedom to attack, thanks to Solskjaer’s decision to bring Ander Herrera back into the side.
The new manager has also encouraged the players to play with no fear. It’s less rigid, more fluid, and the team are benefitting hugely from the change – Pogba has four goals in his last four games for the club.
Solskjaer made history last weekend when he became the first United manager to win his first six games in charge of the team, and will hope to extend that winning run to seven today when United welcome Brighton to Old Trafford.
