Jose explains Pogba confusion, anger at United coach

Matt Stead

Paul Pogba was left confused and Jose Mourinho was unhappy with Manchester United coach Giovanni Cerra ahead of Thursday’s 1-0 victory over Zorya Luhansk.

The United boss marched from the touchline to the dugout ahead of the kick-off at Old Trafford to remonstrate with analyst Cerra and slammed the coach’s laptop shut.

Mourinho, who also appeared unhappy when addressing assistant Rui Faria on the touchline, told BT Sport after the game that Zorya Luhansk had made changes to their line-up that had left United midfielder Pogba unsure over his role.

“It was, you know, set pieces, organisation,” he said. “They changed their team before the game and Paul was a bit confused with the changes and obviously I want my assistants to take care of all the details.”

Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, told BT Sport: “That shows his attention to detail. He is a perfectionist.”

The Daily Mail added, on Mourinho’s ‘angry exchange’ with staff:

‘Mourinho also had words with assistant Rui Faria on the touchline and got his point across as he hit their folder full of tactics.

‘It is likely that Cerra made a mistake in the book, sending mixed messages to Pogba before the Europa League match and leaving Mourinho outraged.’

United secured victory in the Europa League fixture after Zlatan Ibrahimovic was able to head home from a Wayne Rooney miscue.