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Man Utd news: Paul Pogba felt he was being ‘punished’ by Jose Mourinho against Valencia
MANCHESTER UNITED star Paul Pogba would have felt he was being punished by Jose Mourinho after being selected against Valencia on Wednesday night.
That is the opinion of BT Sport pundit and former Arsenal and England defender Martin Keown.
Keown was speaking ahead of kick off of the Champions League Group H clash in Spain.
United had already sealed qualification to the knockout stage going into the match and Mourinho chose to leave star players David De Gea and Nemanja Matic at home.
The duo were rested ahead of Sunday’s huge match against rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
He’s a player that might feel it is a punishment to be here
Keown said he wanted the United players who were playing at the Mestalla not to feel they were being punished.
“I want to see Mourinho and his players enjoying their football again,” he said.
“It all looks like it’s hard work and I don’t want it to feel like it’s almost a punishment to be coming out here with a massive game against Liverpool coming up in four days time.
“The Champions League has been a very good competition for Manchester United.
“So let’s see smily faces, let’s see the players enjoying himself and playing some attractive football which we have grown synonymous with Manchester United over the years. I think that has gone away a little bit.
“Just looking at Mourinho’s face here tonight when he pulled up, he doesn’t look like a man enjoying his football at all.”
However, Keown says Paul Pogba would have felt he was being punished by his manager.
The France World Cup winner had not started three of United’s previous four games before Wednesday’s match as his feud with Jose Mourinho continues.
“He’s a player that might feel it is a punishment to be here,” Keown said of Pogba.
“But he’s got to go out there and show what a wonderful player he is.
“I believe he is a very good player, his confidence has been hit.
“He’s been accused of almost being a virus in the dressing room. They’re big statements by the manager.
“He gets his chance tonight to play again and he can have his say on the pitch tonight.”
United went on to lose the game 2-1 and had to settle for second spot in Group H.
The Red Devils are back in action on Sunday when they visit Anfield to play Liverpool.