Man United Boss Jose Mourinho At War With His Best Players

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown says that Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho “seems to be at war with his players” after the Carabao Cup defeat at home to Derby.

Mourinho has told Paul Pogba that he will not captain United again, but insists that they have not fallen out.

“Jose seems to be at war with his players and he needs to start seeing the good in what they do,” Keown told BBC Radio 5 live.

“Is he pulling up the handbrake?”

Pogba watched on from the stands as Derby, managed by Frank Lampard, knocked United out in a thrilling shootout.

The defeat came three days after a draw at home to Wolves which left Mourinho’s side eight points behind leaders Liverpool in the early-season Premier League table.

“Everyone in the media is quick to turn this into a massive crisis,” added Keown.

“Manchester United have had some good away results but suddenly they’re not able to win at home. I don’t enjoy seeing them not being competitive.

“Mourinho has said the pundits on the sofa have got too much to say. One of them, Frank Lampard, has proved him wrong. It’s a great scalp.

“This was a really good United team and I can’t think of many bigger shocks in their history. Mourinho tried to go for it and he’ll be hurting in the dressing room.”