Jose Mourinho defends Paul Pogba as he accuses critics of ‘scary level of envy’
Manchester United boss defends world's most expensive player amid mounting scrutiny of his Old Trafford displays
JOSE MOURINHO has launched into a fierce defence of Paul Pogba claiming that he is the victim of ‘scary levels of envy’.
The World record signing has already been in the spotlight during a difficult first season on his return to Manchester United.
But he came in for fierce criticism following his performance in the defeat against Chelsea on Monday night.
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Manager Mourinho said: “I feel that the world is losing values and envy is coming to certain levels that I’m scared with -especially with the next generations.
“It’s not Paul’s fault that he gets 10 times the money some get and some of the pundits are in real trouble with their lives and need every pound to survive.
“He deserves respect, his family deserves respect. They are a working family, three boys, and I’m sure they needed a lot of food on that table every day because they had three giants.
“Their family worked very hard for them.
“He fought for his career here and was not afraid to move to another country.
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“I’m really, really worried because things are going in such a direction that envy is everywhere.
“I’m very happy with Paul and also a good thing is because of his personality he doesn’t give an ass."
Pogba will be part of a United team that takes on Rostov tomorrow night in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie. The first leg finished 1-1 in Russia.
Mourinho said: “It’s a very important competition for us, we’ve always said that from the beginning.
“That’s why in every match since day one we’ve played a good team, strong teams - trying to progress.”