Mourinho omits Pogba from list of six Man United captains

Matt Stead

Jose Mourinho would rather Chris Smalling captain Manchester United instead of World Cup champion Paul Pogba.

United are yet to officially appoint a replacement captain for Michael Carrick, who retired last season.

The midfielder hardly featured in the first team however, meaning Antonio Valencia filled in as vice captain.

Mourinho has suggested the right-back – the club’s new longest-serving player – will reprise the role.

The Portuguese also namedropped five other players – but not a player who has just led France to World Cup glory in Russia. Poor Paul.

“The captain was Valencia last season, I think he’s going to be the captain,” Mourinho said. “And when he doesn’t play we have to make decisions.

“Depends on who is on the pitch, if Smalling is, if Ashley Young is, if Herrera is or Mata is, if they are on the pitch they have an option.

“Matic has all the attributes to be Manchester United captain but he arrived only one year ago.

“But I never care much about the captaincy, I care more about the life in the dressing room and the leaders. The armband means what it means.”