According to Richard Keys, Jose Mourinho exploited Paul Pogba to force his way out of Manchester United.
Louis van Gaal was replaced as manager of the Red Devils by Mourinho back in 2016. The Portuguese guided United to both the League Cup and the Europa League while he was the team’s manager. In his second season as manager, the team also finished second in the Premier League behind Manchester City.
The Portuguese was eventually sacked by the club in the 2018/19 season after a 3-1 defeat against Liverpool.
Keys said in a blog post on Mourinho’s tenure as United manager that the “Special One” wanted to be fired and used Pogba to accomplish it.
He wrote: “He once told me he knew he’d be sacked at United for leaving Pogba out of three consecutive games – at a time when the Frenchman’s stock was at its highest. All planned.
“And it worked perfectly. He wanted the sack. He got it.”
He added: “Never mind that he went on to say that his biggest regret at Old Trafford wasn’t that he should have left at the end of the first season – but taking the job in the first place. How does that sit with those suggesting he’s got ‘unfinished business’ at United?”
Keys claimed that Mourinho could be the solution to Chelsea’s current problems under manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues are 11th in the league after an embarrassing home defeat against Wolves and Keys feels the former Chelsea manager can fix their problems.
After getting sacked by Italian club AS Roma this season, Mourinho is unemployed and looking for a job.
“What’s the fix (to Chelsea’s problems)? Mourinho might just be, although I still think it’s more likely that he’ll turn up at Newcastle,” Keys said.
“He’s nowhere near finished. Chelsea fans would love to see him back. No matter where he’s been and what he’s done – Chelsea is still home for Mourinho.”
Mourinho’s time at Old Trafford ended on a bad note but he was crucial to bringing European glory back to the club when he guided the team to the Europa League win.
Even with a number of players out with injuries, Mourinho helped United beat Ajax 2-0 in the final.
At times, his style of play wasn’t suited to the United way but some of the results he got were highly important for the team.
