Jose Mourinho Reportedly Losing Manchester United Players Amid Paul Pogba Feud

Jose Mourinho risks losing Manchester United players who are becoming "frustrated" and "angry" about the manager's latest standoff with club-record buy Paul Pogba, according to ESPN FC's Mark Ogden.

Ogden also said some senior stars are "bemused" after Mourinho took the vice-captain role away from Pogba.

The two were filmed in what's been interpreted as a training-ground spat on Wednesday, per Sky Sports News:

Mourinho is thought to be angered by a video Pogba posted on Instagram while in the stands as United lost at home to Championship side Derby County on penalties in the 2018 Carabao Cup on Tuesday, per Alex Richards of the Daily Mirror.

The latest perceived friction between Mourinho and Pogba comes on the heels of the latter not even making the bench against Derby. Mourinho confirmed his decision regarding the captaincy after the defeat:

It's a decision many United players are concerned about, per Ogden, who also pointed out there are worries about the manager's "negative and critical approach with his players."

Ogden pointed out how, despite sources saying "only a handful of players are now fully behind Mourinho," the 55-year-old retains the backing of United's hierarchy.

Even so, Ogden quoted unnamed sources bemoaning how the manager is "picking fights with his players and then asking them to play for him."

These issues are said to date back to United's pre-season tour of the United States in July. However, the speculation surrounding Mourinho's relationship with Pogba has intensified in recent days.

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The France international, who cost United £89 million in 2016, has told Mourinho and chief executive Ed Woodward he wants out, per the Daily Mail's Chris Wheeler.

Things seem to have come to a head after Pogba was critical of the Red Devils' approach during Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. He called on United to push forward more often on home soil, per BBC Sport.

The comments came after Pogba was guilty of some sloppy play in midfield that preceded Wolves' equaliser.

Mourinho responded to the draw, which ended a three-match winning run, by questioning the desire and focus of his team, per Luckhurst.

Criticising the attitude of his players didn't produce a positive result against Derby, even with Pogba left out and Alexis Sanchez relegated to the bench. The failure of the manager's cajoling is a worrying sign for James Robson of the London Evening Standard:

Robson's point is well taken, especially in light of Ogden's report. Pogba's form has been inconsistent, but if he has the support of his team-mates, Mourinho's stance will only further entrench the differences between manager and players.

A divide this extreme would spell trouble even if Mourinho still has support from some of those above him. His supporters won't be able to ignore results on the pitch if they keep going against United.

The dropped points against Wolves left Mourinho's men with just 10 from six games in the league. More important, United are eight off the top and, in seventh place, already looking cast adrift in the title race.

Losing to the Rams has taken one trophy off the board. It signals potential trouble for a manager who hasn't always enjoyed his third season at previous clubs:

United appear to be edging increasingly closer to a difficult decision.

Making the right choice between a gifted and marketable player who is performing below his talent and a successful yet controversial manager who may be losing his touch will define the next few years for the Red Devils.