Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has let rip on what he claims are "lies" about his relationship with Paul Pogba.
Pogba's happiness at Old Trafford has dominated the news agenda this week, with the midfielder reportedly irritated at being asked to play so deep and even said to be regretting his return to Manchester.
Mourinho has also apparently been annoyed by Pogba's inability to function in a two-man midfield, but all that talk has been dismissed out of hand by the United boss.
"I think you are nice with your words because when you say 'a lot of speculation' you should say a lot of lies," the Portuguese said.
"Because I accept, and I can speak on Paul's behalf without any kind of problem, Paul accepts that he has not been playing well in the last few matches. But that's all.
"And if you want to speak about it, then that's one thing and then your word speculation maybe makes a little bit of sense, but the majority of things you can read and listen, don't be nice, be objective and say lies."
There has been much talk about Pogba's best position, with many suggesting he works better in a three-man midfield and is being hindered by Mourinho's system of play.
But Mourinho told the assembled media on Friday: “I would like to tell me which position Pogba played in against Newcastle.
“Anyone of you want to tell me? OK, midfield, but did we play with one number six and two number eights, or two sixes and one 10?
We played with one six and two eights. We played with Matic as a six, Lingard on the right side of Matic and Pogba on the left side.
“Do you know which is the Pogba’s preferred system? Four-three-three. Do you know Pogba’s favourite position in a 4-3-3? Eight on the left, so it’s easy and honest and objective to say Paul didn’t play well against Newcastle, but don’t let people read things that are not true.
“You are paid to read the game and explain the game. Don’t say bulls**t.”
Mourinho added at his press conference ahead of Saturday's FA Cup game at Huddersfield: "I don't have to speak with you about my conversations with my players. I don't have to tell you anything about it.
"It is my problem, it is the player's problem. A big lie that our relationship is not good, a big lie that we don't communicate, a big lie that we don't agree with his positions and his involvement in the dynamic of the team.
"So, be objective and say what we all know - in the last couple of matches he didn't play well. Period. End of story.
"Now, it's my problem and Paul's problem to deal with it and try to improve his performance level. You don't need to be a liar."
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