Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has expressed his reluctance to give details regarding reports he called Paul Pogba a “virus”.
The Red Devils could only muster a 2-2 draw with strugglers Southampton at the St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday, widening the gap at the summit to 16 points.
United trailed by two goals following a Stuart Armstrong thunderbolt and a curling free-kick from Cedric Soares, but goals from Romelu Lukaku and Ander Herrera salvaged a point.
It was not the result Mourinho would have been hoping for after overseeing a goalless stalemate the week prior against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, and he was clearly vexed following another impotent performance.
After the match, Mourinho is reported by the Daily Record to have confronted his midfield general, Pogba, while labelling him a “virus” in the dressing room.
Pogba has struggled this season, and despite starting every match except one under Mourinho, rumours continue to intensify regarding an ongoing friction between the pair.
However, when quizzed by reporters to elaborate on his “virus” comment, Mourinho remained tight-lipped and coy on giving further details away.
He told reporters (via BBC Sport): “It is one thing is to speak about an interview to Brazilian TV, which you can see. It is another where I am quoted by someone else.
“I don’t speak about that. You saw me in the press conference. It is another thing that someone told what I told. I don’t respond to that. I don’t play the game of suggestions.”
‘We will finish above Everton’
Following a second consecutive draw against lower league opposition, Mourinho was quick to assure supporters that United will definitely finish above Everton come the end of the season.
The Toffees currently sit one place above the Red Devils, though only on goal difference. Mourinho’s men were able to close the gap following their 2-2 draw with the Saints, while Everton lost ground after succumbing to a late defeat in the Merseyside Derby.
United will play host to Arsenal on Wednesday while Everton will pit their wits against Newcastle, and while Mourinho has been impressed with the club’s summer activity, he is convinced United will ultimately prevail.
He told reporters (via BBC Sport): “I can agree even though the investment Everton made was phenomenal,” he said. “I don’t think Everton will be in front of United by the end of the season.”
Mourinho’s latest comments have been met by much contempt from Red Devils fans, as well as an equal measure of derision from rival fans, as the club now sit eight points off a Champions League place.
The post Jose Mourinho responds to claims he called Paul Poga a “virus” in front of Man Utd team appeared first on Squawka News.
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