Jose Mourinho has taken what appears for all the world to be a thinly-veiled dig at Paul Pogba's levels of focus off the pitch, saying that the World Cup is a better environment for the Frenchman than a league season.
Pogba's critics have long complained that he should focus more on his football than his off-field antics, with former Liverpool star Graeme Souness particularly keen on knocking the World Cup winner at any possible opportunity.
Mourinho appears to question Pogba’s commitment/focus to #MUFC in his #ESPN interview. Doesn’t look great this. Needs reminding that he’s in a privileged position & calling big players out alongside constant moaning is not the behaviour you want to read about from a #MUFC manager
— Tom McDermott (@MrTomMcDermott) July 24, 2018
Speaking to ESPN FC on Manchester United's pre-season tour of the USA, Mourinho hinted that he blamed Pogba for his perceived inconsistencies at club level, compared to his continued excellence at the summer's blue riband competition, saying: "I don't think it's about us getting the best out of him, it's about him giving the best he has to give.