Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho in frosty exchange at Manchester United training
Mourinho confirmed after United's defeat to Derby that Pogba would no longer captain the side
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The ongoing differences between Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba show no sign of ceasing after the two were pictured in an extremely frosty exchange at training on Wednesday.
United were eliminated from the EFL Cup on Tuesday night by Frank Lampard's second-tier Derby County at Old Trafford, with Pogba watching on from the stands.
The hours leading up to kick-off were dominated by news that Mourinho had told Pogba that he would no longer captain the side ahead of the game, following his recent criticism of United's playing style.
Pogba had stood in for club captain Antonio Valencia on several occasions already this season, but Mourinho confirmed after United's defeat that would no longer be the case.
And it appears that relations are yet to thaw with the two spotted looking less than friendly during training on Wednesday.
When asked on Tuesday night whether he and the midfielder had fallen out, Mourinho said: "No. The only truth is that I made a decision of Paul not to be the second captain anymore.
"But no fall-out. No problems at all. The same person that decides Paul is not the second captain anymore is the same person that decides that Paul was the second captain - myself."
Mourinho, who did not hold a post-match press conference as EFL Cup rules do not require him to do so, suggested he would not expand on the reasons behind his decision if asked.
"I am the manager, I can make these decisions," he added. "No fall-out at all. No problems. Just one decision that I don't have to explain."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments