Report: Jose Mourinho Says Paul Pogba Will Never Captain Manchester United Again

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly informed his squad Paul Pogba will not captain the Red Devils again.

According to Rob Dawson of ESPN FC, the Special One spoke to his players at Carrington on Tuesday and told them the France international will not be his skipper again. Paul Hirst of the Times reported that Mourinho told players he doesn't believe the midfielder represents what a captain should be at Old Trafford.

Dawson wrote, "The move is designed to underline Mourinho's authority at Old Trafford after a series of episodes involving the midfielder that have angered the United boss."

Neil Custis of The Sun reported Mourinho gave Pogba a "dressing down" after United slipped to a surprise draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Theatre of Dreams in the Premier League, as the Frenchman gave away possession which led to the equaliser in the 1-1 draw.

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Per Custis, Pogba appeared to blame Mourinho's game plan after the match, as he questioned his side's tactics and application: "At home we should attack, attack, attack. That's Old Trafford. We are here to attack. Teams are scared when they see Man United attacking and attacking. That was our mistake."

When Pogba was asked what stopped United attacking more, he said: "I can't tell you because I'm a player. It's not me."

United attempted to win the match with a flurry of long balls into the box in the last 15 minutes, as Marouane Fellaini was pushed forward into an attacking role.

Mourinho's side showed little flair, leaving Pogba on the periphery of the game in the closing stages.

Simon Stone of BBC Sport highlighted the United coach's programme notes ahead of the side's Carabao Cup tie at home to Derby County, with Mourinho openly criticising members of his squad:

ESPN's Alex Shaw tweeted about the matter, blaming Pogba for commenting as United's season plunges into crisis:

Per Dawson, Pogba has "indicated privately" he does not want to leave United in January but will reevaluate his options at the end of the current campaign.

Richard Tanner and John Cross of the Mirror reported Barcelona will extensively scout Pogba throughout the season as the Spanish champions consider a bid in excess of £100 million for the player.

The relationship between Mourinho and Pogba has filled more column inches than the quality of United's football, and supporters continue to be frustrated as the team reportedly implodes off the pitch.

Mourinho is right to pull rank on any player who flouts his disciplinary codes, but Pogba is correct when he suggests United are playing a style of football that doesn't suit their brand or reputation.