Pogba wants to reconcile with Mourinho! Praises him as special, accuses British media of sowing discord leading to Manchester United internal strife.

After successfully returning to the pitch in Ligue 1 with Monaco, Paul Pogba recently spoke with former teammate Rio Ferdinand, discussing his complex relationship with former Manchester United manager José Mourinho. Despite their public conflicts, he still described the Portuguese "Special One" as a very interesting person, seemingly intending to reconcile.

Pogba joined during Mourinho's first season at Manchester United, and initially they had a close relationship with no conflicts. After the Red Devils won the League Cup, Pogba even casually handed the trophy to his manager. "You know, I don't have problems with any coach," Pogba insisted. "I always respected the coach, always respected. They tell me what to do, they are the boss, that's the fact. The manager is the boss, they can decide if you play."

Initially, Pogba and Mourinho's relationship was quite close. He recalled: "At the beginning, we got along very well, had a good relationship, often exchanged messages. He is really a very interesting person, he has humor. Honestly, he is truly special."

However, during the 2017/18 season, Mourinho developed friction with club executives led by Ed Woodward over transfer issues, and Pogba's relationship with him deteriorated, culminating in a public argument during a live broadcast of training. Reports stated Mourinho criticized Pogba's personal training regimen, believing it led to his hamstring injury and absence. Subsequently, Pogba was dropped for key matches against Huddersfield in the Premier League and Sevilla in the Champions League knockout stage.

Pogba now believes that the British media's sowing discord was the main reason for Mourinho's change in attitude towards him. The British media constantly focused on Pogba's issues, repeatedly questioning the Portuguese "Special One," who couldn't tolerate it. "After a while, I think the injury was the origin of the problem," Pogba said. "You know, the British media tirelessly asked him questions about me, which surely annoyed him a bit. This is a problem I face, like many others, they always ask about me. Talking constantly about Paul, Paul, probably irritated him greatly."

In December 2018, Mourinho was sacked after Manchester United lost to Liverpool, and Pogba posted a smiling photo on social media with the caption "Caption this," expressing his excitement about the manager's departure. The tweet was later deleted.

Many Manchester United fans initially supported Pogba, but eventually realized his true nature. In April 2022, during Pogba's last appearance at Old Trafford, fans shouted "Pogba out."

Pogba's football skills are unquestionable, but his off-field attitude is the key point of criticism. The French talent particularly enjoys being late; he confirmed that after being promoted from Manchester United's youth system to the first team, he was late for Sir Alex Ferguson's training session for the first time!

Pogba told Ferdinand: "Don't know if you remember, my first call-up to the first team was with Joshua King, you surely forgot. The arrangement was a meeting at Carrington first, then bus to Old Trafford, then to the hotel. My first selection, I didn't know the procedure, so I went to Old Trafford first, so I was late for my first entry into the first team."

Ultimately, Pogba received a harsh scolding and fine from Sir Alex. "I had to swear, for me and Joshua both. Joshua wanted to kill me, because it was my fault. We entered the dressing room, teammates shouted 'Fine, fine, you're late.' I got a fierce骂 from the old man, 'Damn little bastard, dare to be late on the first day?' That was my first experience entering the first team."

Recalling his days at Manchester United, Pogba said he most enjoyed playing alongside Nemanja Matić and Bruno Fernandes. "I really liked playing with Matić at Manchester United, he's tall, technically excellent, capable with the ball, and passes accurately. I also enjoyed partnering with Bruno, he plays as a 10. The situation was complex then, Fred and Scott (McTominay) also played, we didn't find the perfect combination. But playing with Bruno was also great."

Regarding McTominay, whom Mourinho used to replace him back then, the 33-year-old Pogba now sees him as a core player at Napoli, winning the Serie A title and being named season's best. Pogba believes Conte was key to activating McTominay; he himself also worked with Conte at Juventus for two years, both winning league titles.

He said: "Believe it or not, when I saw Scott go to Napoli to play for Conte, I knew Conte would like him, because he has everything the coach appreciates. We were teammates who played together, he works extremely hard, very disciplined, trains and plays with the same seriousness. You know, teams need such players, he always gives his all, the team needs such a character. Scott is a bit like Fletcher, I know Conte would utilize such players well."

Regarding Manchester United's new generation youth midfield talent Kobbie Mainoo, Pogba advised: "He can play, very talented, but he's young and will face difficulties. It depends on his own feeling; if he has a good relationship with the manager, gains trust, plus club support, then surely no problem. If he wants to leave, all clubs would be interested. But that might not be the right decision; he is deeply loved by Manchester United fans, I'd hesitate to say he should leave. He is a good player, with huge potential, can have a glorious career at Manchester United. I don't know the outcome and his decision, but wish him all the best. Because I want to watch him play, because that's interesting."