Pogba to captain Manchester United against Albion ―Mourinho

Paul Pogba will captain Manchester United again against West Brom at the Amex – but Antonio Valencia will take back the armband when he is fit.

Jose Mourinho has confirmed Pogba will still be stand-in skipper for Sunday’s clash (4pm), despite the French World Cup winner hinting all is not well in their relationship after leading United to an opening win against Leicester.

Pogba, linked with a move away from Old Trafford, said after that victory he would be fined if he said what he really felt about his situation at the club.

ALSO READ:  I’ve never more excited than I am now ―Pochettino

Mourinho insisted at his press conference for the clash with Albion: “The truth is we are together for two years and a couple of weeks and I’ve never been so happy with him as I am now, that’s the truth.

“I cannot demand more from him, I cannot ask more from him, he came here on a Monday, trained three days, I asked for his support for his contribution in an important match (Leicester) for us when the team had difficulties.

“He did it better and for more time than we could expect, when he says he did it for the fans and for the team is exactly what I want, is exactly what I demand from my players, he’s working well, playing well, he does for the fans, he does for the team and that’s what I want, to play for the team and I couldn’t be happier than what I am.”

ALSO READ:  We want the UCL trophy this season ―Messi

Mourinho added: “He’s working extremely well here but I have to say in his defence, write what you want about him, me, please don’t say lies, don’t put him in a situation that people can think he’s not a polite, educated guy, he is.

“He never had a fight with me. We never had a harsh exchange of words, everything is respected, I have no problems at all.”

Mourinho has added ex-Albion loanee Jesse Lingard to the squad that beat Leicester. He is expecting another tough test against Albion after United’s 1-0 defeat at the Amex in May.

“We lost 1-0, great coach, Chris (Hughton), good players, good team, beautiful stadium but difficult to play,” he said.

“They know how to play, they kept the same team, bought a few new players, the style is the same and the fact they lost the first match they are working for a reaction, to improve their game.

“So it’s a difficult match for us but we are confident, the training was really really good all week.”