Paul Pogba RIGHT to demand Man Utd transfer – Ince blames Mourinho for suffocating star

It’s been a strange season for Manchester United as question marks continue to hang over the heads of Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba.

Mourinho stripped his World Cup winning midfielder of the vice-captaincy following a heated changing room bust-up in the aftermath of the side’s 1-1 home draw with Wolves.

United equalled their worst ever start to a Premier League season after seven matches, when they accumulated just 10 points.

The manager versus player saga involving Mourinho and Pogba then took another dramatic twist when the Portuguese gave the 25-year-old a dressing down in front of the cameras at the training ground.

But the pair seem to have put their differences aside in recent weeks to focus on trying to help the side get out of this rut.

It has now become a question of who will leave United first and Paul Pogba has been repeatedly linked with a return to Juventus, where he won four Serie A titles.

And according to former midfielder Paul Ince, Pogba leaving United would suit both parties.

“I can’t say I’m surprised to hear about the Paul Pogba rumours, suggesting he’s interested in leaving Old Trafford in January,” he told Paddy Power.

Paul Pogba demand Man Utd transfer

Paul Pogba leaving Man Utd would be best for all parties, reckons Paul Ince (Image: GETTY)

Paul Pogba Man Utd

Ince hasn’t been impressed by the way Pogba has carried himself since joining (Image: GETTY)

“He said recently that he was happy at Manchester United, but I didn’t believe any of that.

“The club will have to think carefully about whether they’re happy to let him go, though I’d say his behaviour over the last year or so would make that decision easier.

“I believe a Pogba move away from United would suit both parties. If we’re being honest, he’s never settled on his return to the club.

“He’s been inconsistent in his performances, going from world class to looking bang average, and there’s always been whispers and transfer talk surrounding him in that time.”

Paul Pogba Juventus

The Frenchman has been linked with a move back to Juventus (Image: GETTY)

Paul Pogba demand Man Utd transfer

Paul Pogba is still well liked at Juventus (Image: GETTY)

There have been some reports this week that state Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has met with Juventus to try and strike a deal which would see the midfielder move back to Turin.

Ince has not been impressed by the way Pogba has handled himself since returning to Manchester.

“He’s one of those players, that as long as he’s at United there’s will trouble and talk,” he added.

“His personality is to stir up rumours – like getting in a picture with Messi recently. He’s an attention-seeker, he wants people to talk about him.”

Paul Ince Eric Cantona

Pogba reminds Ince of his former team mate Eric Cantona (Image: GETTY)

The 51-year-old then revealed that he sees similarities between Pogba and former team mate Eric Cantona.

“The drama around Pogba reminds me of Eric Cantona,” Ince continued.

“There was always something going on with Eric, but he was too good to get rid of.

“You didn’t care about all the noise around him. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying he’s Cantona, but if he plays at a top level then no one at United will care about the drama that comes along with Pogba.”

Paul Pogba demand Man Utd transfer

Paul Pogba could get a reprieve at Man Utd, just like Anthony Martial (Image: GETTY)

Defeat in the Manchester derby left United 12 points adrift of rivals City, who lead the Premier League.

The players – including Pogba – have clearly not been performing to the best of their ability and Ince reckons a lot of that is down to Mourinho.

“We know that he’s [Pogba] a fantastic player,” the former United man added.

“We saw that at Juventus, and I don’t think we can blame him for the fact he’s been suffocated by Jose Mourinho.

“It’s clear when he’s given some freedom to play how he wants, he’s world class. But he’s been stifled at United and often played in the wrong way. He’s part of the constant negativity that’s coming out of Old Trafford at the minute, though.

“Aside from a couple of decent results recently, it’s all been rumours and transfer gossip and just constant hostility. So, it wouldn’t surprise me that if the money was right United would let him go.”

There could still be time for Pogba to turn his United career around.

A few months ago, Anthony Martial look destined for a disappointing exit but the Frenchman is now set to extend his stay at Old Trafford after scoring in five consecutive Premier League matches.