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Man Utd star Paul Pogba aims Jose Mourinho dig as he reveals Ole Gunnar Solskjaer changes
PAUL POGBA has taken a fresh dig at Jose Mourinho - insisting Manchester United’s players are simply happier and “take more pleasure” in their work under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Mourinho was sacked back in December after United sunk 11 points from fourth place in the Premier League and 19 points off of leaders Liverpool after a 3-1 defeat to their rivals at Anfield.
The Portuguese boss had been notably unhappy since pre-season and went on several public rants, including an open spat with midfielder Pogba.
Despite helping France to win the World Cup last summer, Pogba’s form nosedived on his return to Old Trafford with the 26-year-old and Mourinho going head-to-head on a number of occasions.
But Solskjaer’s arrival has helped transform the club’s fortunes and in particular for Pogba, who has scored nine and laid on seven assists in 19 games under the Norwegian.
Having won 14, the caretaker manager has helped put United into the top-four battle and into the quarter finals of the Champions League.
The Red Devils have played a more entertaining brand of attacking football under Solskjaer with Pogba central to their rejuvenated approach, taking on a more attack-minded role in midfield.
And Pogba says it is a joy to play in United’s current side because of how much they are having fun again.
Pogba told Eurosport: “We talk a lot about me [and my performances] but it’s mostly down to the team. It’s going much better.
Since the new coach has arrived, we take more pleasure, we are happier and play more as a team
“We have a lot more of the ball, we attack a little more too. I play higher and try to be a little more decisive.
“I was not that decisive before but the stats proved it was not that bad. I am a challenger, I always want to do more.
“Since the new coach has arrived, we take more pleasure, we are happier and play more as a team.
“When he came to talk to us, he asked us to enjoy playing football again. That’s what we like - to play football.”
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Pogba is currently on international duty with France as they face two Euro 2020 qualifiers, including a clash with Moldova tonight.
Speaking at a press conference to preview the game, Pogba was asked about exactly why Mourinho was dismissed from United and whether apparent unrest behind the scenes had ended the Portuguese coach’s tenure.
He said: “What were the issues? We were not winning.
"That's why they decided to change the head coach.
"The results matter the most. If we were winning, we would have good results and the coach would have remained at his position. That's all."