While it's almost impossible to know exactly what's happening behind the scenes at a major football club, a quick glance is all one needs to deduce that something's rotten in the state of Manchester when it comes to the relationship between Paul Pogba and the club, or at the very least Jose Mourinho.
The French international, and former most expensive player in the world, has seen his performances been on the end heavy criticism in recent week, and has seen his formerly secure position in the starting eleven traded for a place among the club's subs.
The Sun's Deputy Head of Sport Martin Lipton joined Off The Ball before Manchester United and Sevilla met in their Champions League Round of 16 first leg clash, and talked about the potential reasons for discontent between player and club, noting the possibility of jealousy between Paul Pogba and recent United acquisition Alexis Sanchez due to the Chilian's higher salary and star profile at the club.
"Well I think it's about the money, isn't it? Pogba went as the big money signing, the best paid player, the superstar, and suddenly all the social media stuff, and they're aware of this these days more so than ever before".
"This whole ludicrous thing of him playing the piano. Here's Sanchez and here's his money, £350,000 a week, which is more than Pogba, and players get greedy".
Lipton also brought up the possibility of the supposed feud between Pogba and manager Jose Mourinho being influenced by their respective agents.
"Also, you've got to remember there's an issue. Who's Pogba represented by? Mino Raiola. What's happened to the other two Mino Raiola players at Manchester United? Mkhitaryan has been flogged as a makeweight in the deal that brought in Sanchez, and Zlatan is being shown the exit door to go to the LA Galaxy at some point in the next three months".
"So from being the most important agent at Manchester United with three critical players in the first team, he's left with one. Whereas (Jorge)Mendes is cock of the walk again, and the two don't get on".
Lipton believes that the two will find it difficult to co-exist at the club due to the frayed relationship, and raised the possibility of one of them leaving the club sooner rather than later, though which one that'll be is anyone's guess at this point as the club will be forced to pick between its manager and arguably the star player.
"What's more valuable to Manchester United, he manager who by his track record is quite flighty and can disappear, or the £90 million player? That's why it could become a decision to make, whether they go with Pogba and say 'you're the future', or, 'OK, Mourinho, we'll go with you and your judgement, and all these players that you've signed', many of whom haven't worked it's got to be said, and therefore Pogba becomes someone you can get rid of".
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