Paul Pogba’s time at Manchester United under José Mourinho has been the subject of much speculation over the years. Their relationship, while initially promising, became strained, eventually leading to publicized clashes between the star midfielder and the Portuguese manager. In a recent interview, he shared new details about his dynamic with Mourinho, comparing it to a “boyfriend and girlfriend” relationship – full of highs and lows, but ultimately marked by mutual respect.
In this article, we’ll explore his reflections on his time under Mourinho, how their relationship impacted his career at United, and what this reveals about their personal and professional bond.
A Promising Start: Pogba’s Return to Old Trafford
When Paul Pogba rejoined Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for a then-record fee of £89 million, there was a lot of excitement surrounding his return. Much of that anticipation stemmed from the prospect of him working under José Mourinho, who had a reputation for bringing out the best in his players.
He acknowledged Mourinho’s role in his decision to return to United, stating, “He was one of the reasons I went back to Manchester because I spoke to him and he convinced me to come back.” At that time, both player and manager seemed aligned in their goals – Pogba, to cement his status as one of the best midfielders in the world, and Mourinho, to bring United back to the heights of Premier League glory.
The Honeymoon Phase
Initially, the partnership between Pogba and Mourinho appeared to work well. Pogba enjoyed regular playing time and was instrumental in helping United win the League Cup and the UEFA Europa League in 2017. Their chemistry on the field translated into results, and Pogba’s performances were a reflection of the trust Mourinho placed in him.
However, as is often the case in football, things can change quickly. The honeymoon phase didn’t last long, and cracks began to appear in their relationship.
Tensions Rise: Public Clashes
As time went on, Pogba and Mourinho’s relationship started to show signs of strain. Pogba has admitted he doesn’t fully understand what caused the tension, but he acknowledged that disagreements started to surface. “Our relationship was like boyfriend and girlfriend, we were breaking up and making up all the time,” Pogba reflected.
One of the most public moments of their fallout occurred in September 2018 when Mourinho stripped him of the vice-captaincy. Reports circulated that Mourinho was unhappy with Pogba’s attitude, and the midfielder’s performances on the pitch began to be scrutinized heavily by both the media and fans.
He, however, maintained that he never wanted to fight with Mourinho. “I wasn’t fighting. I didn’t start the fight,” he said, suggesting that their differences were more a result of professional disagreements than personal animosity.
The Impact on Pogba’s Form
The strained relationship undoubtedly affected Pogba’s form on the field. As the disagreements with Mourinho became more public, his performances dipped, and his confidence seemed to waver. Despite his immense talent, he was often criticized for inconsistency and accused of failing to step up in crucial moments.
Mourinho, known for his pragmatic approach to management, often left him out of the starting XI, a decision that fueled speculation about the fractured relationship between the two. As his minutes on the pitch dwindled, so did United’s results. The tension between the manager and the player was evident to all.
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Pogba’s Reflection: Still Respect for Mourinho
Despite the difficulties they faced, Pogba insists that he holds no ill feelings toward Mourinho. “There’s a lot of respect from me to him,” he said. “If I see him tomorrow, it’s a big hug! But one day, we will have to sit down together and discuss it.”
This statement reflects his maturity and ability to look back on his time with Mourinho with a sense of perspective. While their relationship was undeniably rocky at times, he recognizes the impact Mourinho had on his career and the success they shared during their time together.
A Comparison to Solskjaer’s Management Style
Interestingly, Pogba has drawn comparisons between Mourinho’s management style and that of his successor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He has been open about preferring Solskjaer’s approach, which he described as more player-friendly. “What I have now with Ole is different because he wouldn’t go against the players,” he told Sky Sports in 2021.
While Mourinho is known for his hard-line approach, Solskjaer was seen as a more nurturing figure who fostered a positive environment at the club. Pogba seemed to thrive under Solskjaer, especially during the early days of the Norwegian’s tenure.
The Legacy of Pogba and Mourinho’s Partnership
In the end, the relationship between Paul Pogba and José Mourinho remains one of the most intriguing manager-player dynamics in recent Manchester United history. While it was filled with ups and downs, it produced moments of brilliance and silverware for the club. Pogba’s reflections on their time together reveal a level of respect that goes beyond the headlines of their disputes.
As his career continues, and with Mourinho now at Fenerbahce, the two will likely cross paths again. When that happens, he promises a hug, but also hints at the need for a deeper conversation to fully understand why their partnership turned sour. Until then, the relationship between the “boyfriend and girlfriend” of Old Trafford remains a captivating story of football, respect, and reconciliation.
