Frank Lampard refuses to weigh in on Paul Pogba debate after Manchester United star criticises Mourinho's tactics

Frank Lampard refused to enter the debate over Paul Pogba’s relationship with Jose Mourinho for fear of a backlash from the Manchester United midfielder.

Tensions between the Frenchman and his manager continue to be the subject of intense scrutiny - and came to the forefront again as Pogba criticised United’s lack of attacking intent against Wolves on Saturday.

Derby manager Lampard launched a staunch defence of Mourinho ahead of his side’s visit to Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

But he refused to weigh in on Pogba’s situation - claiming the World Cup winner could exact revenge on the pitch.

“I'm not going to be the one who gives Paul Pogba any advice a day before we go to Old Trafford,” said the former Chelsea midfielder.

“It would be a great headline if he scores a hat-trick, so don't ask me!”

Pogba called on United to ‘attack, attack, attack’ following the 1-1 draw with Wolves - making it clear that it was down to Mourinho to release the shackles. Lampard admitted he would have been more circumspect in the same position.

“I had a mantra where I didn't like to speak too much because I made a few mistakes with things I said in younger days,” he said.

“When you play, you do the best that you can, and when you speak, you have to be careful what you say.

“Everyone is different – some wear their heart on their sleeve, some might have reasons for saying things the way they do, but you should only be judged by what you do on the pitch.

“After a negative result, I was always particularly careful what I said.”

Pogba bemoaned United’s inhibited attitude as they were held by Nuno Santos’ newly-promoted team.

He said: “I’m not the manager, I cannot say that, but obviously we should show more option of playing, but I cannot say that because I’m a player.

“That’s my way of thinking - we should move better, we should move more.”

But Lampard railed against the negative tag Mourinho has been labelled with.

"We certainly weren't at Chelsea, though we got painted as negative because we could also grind out a win when we weren't at our best,” he added. “We had a really good defence, not just the back four, but the whole team.

“We worked very hard to stop teams scoring, created a lot of chances and scored a lot of goals. We had (Damien) Duff and (Arjen) Robben on the wings, Joe Cole and Didier (Drogba) etc. We played a lot of good stuff.

“It became a little bit of a stick to beat us with, looking back. I think Jose Mourinho is a manager who wanted to win games, he has his style of course he does, but it will be a style to get the best out of players to win a game.

“Of course it’s different to Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, but I don't think it changes because that's what he is."