According to Crickex App, recent weeks have made it increasingly clear that José Mourinho is not entirely satisfied with Paul Pogba’s performances. The Manchester United manager’s comments during a pre-match press conference ahead of the Chelsea clash subtly revealed his current stance on the French midfielder.
Reflecting on the match against Sevilla, Mourinho explained the difficulty players face when coming off the bench: “It’s always harder for a substitute than for a starter. But I know what kind of mentality McTominay has — and that’s what will help him become a great player. Even if he makes mistakes or has bad games, he’ll bounce back.”
Turning his attention to Pogba, Mourinho offered a more measured tone. “I think his performance was positive,” he said. “Some players take five minutes to get ready — tying their boots, changing shirts, warming up. But Pogba needed just 10 seconds. That shows professionalism. He was ready to help the team.”
While those words seem supportive on the surface, Mourinho’s repeated praise of rising star Scott McTominay has been interpreted by British media as a not-so-subtle message directed at Pogba. “I don’t grant trust for free,” Mourinho emphasized. “It’s not about a manager trusting a player — it’s about the player earning that trust. Simple as that.”
He continued, “Sometimes we give players everything, but they don’t give anything back. McTominay has earned everything from day one with the first team. He’s improved constantly and worked hard for his place.”
Crickex App notes that Pogba’s recent struggles have seen him dropped to the bench multiple times, fueling speculation about a rift with Mourinho. Despite being one of United’s marquee signings, Pogba has failed to consistently meet expectations, leading to increased scrutiny from fans and pundits alike.
Mourinho did acknowledge Pogba’s improved attitude in recent matches, stating that his professionalism as a substitute has not gone unnoticed. But the underlying message was clear — consistent effort and results are the only currency that buys Mourinho’s trust.
As the saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.” If Pogba wants to reclaim his spot as a key figure at Old Trafford, he’ll need to prove it on the pitch — not just in training or with flashes of brilliance, but through unwavering commitment week in, week out.