Mourinho right to drop Pogba, says Silvestre
Mikael Silvestre backed the decision of Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho to drop star midfielder Paul Pogba.
Paul Pogba deserved to be dropped by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, according to the club's former defender Mikael Silvestre.
Pogba was left on the bench for last month's Champions League game at Sevilla, with Scott McTominay preferred, although the France international came on as a first-half substitute due to Ander Herrera's injury.
Mourinho has criticised Pogba's form, with the midfielder struggling in Premier League defeats at Tottenham and Newcastle United, while the 24-year-old made little impact in Monday's comeback win at Crystal Palace.
Silvestre, who played for United between 1999 and 2008, thinks Mourinho made the right decision in leaving former Juventus midfielder Pogba, who was signed for €105million in August 2016, out of his team.
"Because of the transfer price tag and where he's been before, coming from Juve, we've expected him to be the talisman, to be 'Mr 100 Per Cent', to be fit all the time and to win games for United," Silvestre told Sports Tonight on Dubai Eye 103.8.
Great come back March 5, 2018
"On some occasions he's failed, he's failed [to meet] the expectations. That's why there's a question mark and that's why he was put aside by Jose Mourinho. I think that was very smart from Jose, especially the way he's handled it.
"You know it's clear that Paul hasn't played well for us and that's why he's not starting the games and that's the end of story. At least everybody knows the reason why, it's clear.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"There is no misunderstanding, there is no 'maybe Pogba is finished with United', that wasn't the case. He was just not performing at the level everybody is expecting."
Pogba's agent Mino Raiola has denied there is a rift between Mourinho and his client, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
‘I reckon it was 50-50, Erik ten Hag staying or going. The spine has to be stronger’: Manchester United legend offers verdict on manager situation
‘My career highlight was the Euro 96 semi against England – it was the first time I’d been to Wembley and I thought, ‘What kind of old stadium is this?!’: Germany Euros winner reflects on playing at Home of Football