Mourinho on Pogba: The Manchester United manager spoke about Paul Pogba after the game against Arsenal.
The pressure has increased significantly on Jose Mourinho after another draw in the Premier League. Manchester United have dropped to 8th position in the English top flight after third consecutive draw game, albeit against the high-flying Arsenal.
The side came from behind twice at Old Trafford, as Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard scored for Manchester United. Earlier, Mustafi gave Arsenal the lead as David De Gea failed to make a save, while Marcos Rojo scored an own goal.
Paul Pogba was dropped for the game, following his disappointing performance against Southampton. The Frenchman came on as a substitute in the 75th minute.
Jose Mourinho has now responded to Pogba’s performance against Arsenal.
Mourinho on Pogba:
The Manchester United manager stated that he was happy with how the midfielder played. Jose Mourinho insisted that Pogba ensured movement of the ball after defenders were drained out of energy.
“I think Paul played well,” Mourinho said. “The 15 minutes he was on the pitch he played well, in a moment where our defenders couldn’t push up.
Mourinho on Pogba: “I think Paul played well. The 15 minutes he was on the pitch he played well, in a moment where our defenders couldn’t push up. Every time David de Gea had the ball all my defenders were dead in front of him and I want the team to come up.” #MUFC
— Manchester United (@MUFCScoop) December 5, 2018
“Every time David de Gea had the ball all my defenders were dead in front of him and I want the team to come up, I want defensive line to push up.”
Manchester United performed with intensity against Arsenal throughout the game, and Mourinho was asked if the side looked ‘happier’ without contributions from Pogba and Lukaku.
Paul Pogba has one bad game and has been dropped by Jose Mourinho for tonight’s game against Arsenal. Nemanja Matic has been one of the worst players in the Premier League this season and starts every single game meanwhile £50 million Fred doesn’t even make the bench. Mad.
— FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) December 5, 2018
“I don’t understand where you want me to go. No. As I was saying, I think Paul came on and gave a good contribution and didn’t give a bad contribution,” Mourinho replied.
“I brought freshness and power and different qualities to the attacking players but our defenders were dead. Was impossible to take them out.”
Scholes: “I can understand why he’s not playing Pogba. He was poor at the weekend. He (Mourinho) can’t trust him. He can’t seem to pass a ball without doing a flick or trick. Performances week in week out, it’s taking him too long to become a mature player.” #mufc [BT]
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) December 5, 2018
What next?
Manchester United will return to action on Saturday as they take on Fulham in the league. Claudio Ranieri’s side is at the bottom of the league table, but Manchester United have had a struggling time overcoming the challenge of lower-league sides due to their own inconsistencies.
