Jose Mourinho tells Paul Pogba he will never captain Manchester United again as relationship hits new low

Paul Pogba’s relationship with Jose Mourinho hit a new low after the midfielder was told he would not captain Manchester United again.

The news was delivered to the World Cup winner on Tuesday ahead of United’s EFL Cup tie with Derby County.

Mourinho was infuriated by his side’s lacklustre performance in their 1-1 draw with Wolves on Saturday, questioning the attitude of his players.

Pogba was guilty of losing possession in the build-up to Joao Moutinho’s equaliser, and later risked the wrath of his manager by criticising their lack of attacking intent.

There have been tensions between player and manager since the summer, with this latest episode casting fresh doubt over Pogba’s future at Old Trafford.

Mourinho named him captain at the start of the season - but it appears his patience with the £89million man has been tested to the limit.

Writing in his programme notes ahead of Derby, the United manager reiterated his frustration.

“I hope we can look back on Saturday’s game against Wolves for an important lesson: a lesson that I repeat week after week, a lesson some boys are not learning - every team that play Manchester United are playing the game of their lives, and we need to match the level of aggression, motivation and desire - 95 percent isn’t enough when others give 101 percent."

Mourinho has refused to be drawn into a war of words with Pogba, despite a number of potential inflammatory incidents involving the 25-year-old this season.

United’s record signing claimed he would be fined if he revealed his true feelings on the same day as he was handed the armband against Leicester on the opening day of the campaign.

He later refused to rule out an imminent move amid ongoing interest from Barcelona, and at the weekend suggested it was up to Mourinho to resolve the team’s attacking failings.

Mourinho has so far been diplomatic - praising Pogba’s form and attitude - but it is believed he explained in detail why the former Juventus man was no longer considered captain material at the club’s Carrington training base.

He is said to have concerns over the player’s attitude, while his mistake on Saturday appears to have been the final straw.

United failed to deny claims Pogba will no longer be considered for skipper duties, but it remains to be seen if this is a drastic attempt by Mourinho to get a reaction from his star man before entrusting him with the armband again.