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Paul Pogba in hot water over Jose Mourinho sacking tweet

A number of Manchester United greats have slammed Paul Pogba for his reaction to Jose Mourinho’s sacking.

Darren Fletcher has strongly criticised Pogba in the wake of Mourinho’s sacking as Manchester United manager, insisting the France star “needs a kick up the backside”.

Pogba posted “Caption this!” alongside a picture of himself adopting a knowing look on social media following the Portuguese’s departure on Tuesday.

That post was quickly deleted, but former United and Scotland midfielder Fletcher branded Pogba’s actions “totally out of order”.

Pogba’s deleted post. Image: Twitter
Pogba’s deleted post. Image: Twitter

“I don’t think he’s conducted himself well recently and I think he needs a kick up the backside,” Fletcher told BBC Radio Five Live.

“Somebody needs to get control of Paul Pogba and say, ‘Listen, this hasn’t been a battle between Mourinho and Pogba and you’ve won, you’ve got to go and prove yourself now’.”

Pogba’s management have since claimed the post was scheduled well ahead of the Mourinho news and was unrelated.

But United legend Gary Neville isn’t buying that.

“Mourinho lost his job this morning and Paul Pogba and his people put that Instagram post out,” Neville said on Sky Sports News.

Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba. (IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba. (IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)

“Don’t fall for this coincidence, schedule tweet nonsense – it’s garbage. Absolute garbage. Do not let him fool you.

“To dance on the grave of the manager who has just been sacked is out of order.”

And Fletcher and Neville weren’t alone in their criticism.

Solskjaer, Pochettino in frame to take over

United sacked Mourinho on Tuesday after less than three years at the helm, with the Old Trafford club languishing in sixth place in the Premier League.

The Red Devils are expected to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season, with former striker and current Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the frame.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino’s name has already been floated as a permanent long-term replacement for Mourinho – and Fletcher tipped the Argentinian for the Old Trafford helm.

“Pochettino has had issues with players and he’s dealt with it fantastically,” he said.

“He deals with big characters at Spurs, there’s been a few bits and pieces like contract rebels and things like that. And he seems to have sorted that out. So he ticks all the boxes of experience in the Premier League.

Mourinho is gone. Image: Getty
Mourinho is gone. Image: Getty

“He could have the chance to be at Manchester United for a long period of time, settle there and build something fantastic.

“Manchester United have the backing, the resources and a plan that would incorporate winning the Premier League. I’m not sure Spurs’ plan involves winning the Premier League.”

Pochettino insisted he is focused only on his job in north London.

“First of all I want to send my best wishes to him (Mourinho) and I feel so sorry because you know very well I have a very good relationship with him.

“Then it’s not my business, what happened at another club. I only want to send my best wishes to Jose.”