Pogba confused, Mourinho unhappy with United bench

Paul Pogba: Given more freedom by Mourinho

Paul Pogba was left confused and Jose Mourinho was unhappy with Manchester United coach Giovanni Cerra ahead of Thursday’s 1-0 victory over Zorya Luhansk.

The United boss marched from the touchline to the dugout ahead of the kick-off at Old Trafford to remonstrate with analyst Cerra and slammed the coach’s laptop shut.

Mourinho, who also appeared unhappy when addressing assistant Rui Faria on the touchline, told BT Sport after the game that Zorya Luhansk had made changes to their line-up that had left United midfielder Pogba unsure over his role.

“It was, you know, set pieces, organisation,” he said. “They changed their team before the game and Paul was a bit confused with the changes and obviously I want my assistants to take care of all the details.”

Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, told BT Sport: “That shows his attention to detail. He is a perfectionist.”

United secured victory in the Europa League fixture after Zlatan Ibrahimovic was able to head home from a Wayne Rooney miscue.

pogba

Mourinho admitted at full-time that United had hardly played “amazingly well” against Zorya but highlighted Rooney’s impact after coming off the bench for a second successive match.

“He was laughing and saying he made a great assist,” said Mourinho, regarding the England captain’s strike which led to Ibrahimovic’s winner.

“He gave me what the team needed at that time,” added Mourinho.

The win leaves United third in Group A – a point behind leaders Fenerbahce.