Paul Pogba suspended: Jose Mourinho reveals that he only found out about Paul Pogba’s yellow card suspension two days ago
New United boss taken by surprise after Frenchman is banned for opener after picking up cards in Copa Italia
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JOSE MOURINHO only found out about Paul Pogba's yellow-card ban two days ago.
The Manchester United boss, 53, revealed that he knew of the Frenchman's bookings in the Copa Italia last season but didn't know Pogba would be suspended for his first game.
But it was revealed by the FA today that Pogba would miss United's opener against Bournemouth as a result of the cards picked up against Inter and AC Milan in the semi-final and final of the domestic trophy.
Mourinho said: "I do not speak about suspended players or injured players. I forget about Paul for a few days.
"I knew the situation with the yellow cards but I didn't know if an accumulation of yellow cards would bring suspension.
"I didn't know if it was going to be for the Italian competition. I was waiting for the decision."
When pressed on how long the club had been aware that Pogba would miss the first game, he replied: "Two days."
Pogba was in training with his new team-mates as they prepared for the long trip down to Bournemouth.
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He was pictured last night out and about as he and fellow new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan dined out in the city – and he was even joined by his mum.
Mourinho also confirmed that he has no new injury concerns ahead of the game, although Chris Smalling also misses out through suspension.