Paul Pogba and Manchester United stars warned they could be sold as club backs Jose Mourinho in any future flashpoints
Exclusive: Ed Woodward would be willing to sell any players, including Pogba, who don't fit into Mourinho's approach
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 Manchester United hierarchy are “completely” behind Jose Mourinho’s man-management of situations like with Paul Pogba and the rest of his squad, and it will be a case of “the boss’s way or out”, The Independent understands.
The Portuguese recently signed a new deal until 2020, but that is not the only way he has been backed by the club. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward fully endorses Mourinho’s approach, both as regards the market and how he deals with players.
While the Pogba situation has been smoothed after the French star was left out for consecutive games and publicly criticised by the manager, sources close to the situation say it is still someway up in the air - but it has been made known to the player and his representatives that United would back Mourinho in any future flashpoint.
That is despite the status Pogba has accrued as the club’s most expensive ever signing and one of their most prized players commercially. He and the rest of the squad have been made fully aware that they can follow the manager’s instructions or leave.
Woodward is said to be totally convinced of Mourinho’s approach. The Portuguese plans more changes to his team in the summer, and sees Nemanja Matic’s attitude as an example to the rest of the United squad. He views the Serbian’s responsible and disciplined mindset as a requirement for any summer targets.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments