Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho challenges Paul Pogba
Saturday 21 April 2018 11:47, UK
Jose Mourinho has told Paul Pogba he expects "a certain level" of performance from him in every game.
The Manchester United boss was delighted with Pogba's displays in the away wins against Manchester City and Bournemouth.
While Mourinho does not expect Pogba to scale those heights in every game, he has challenged the Frenchman to eradicate below-par performances like Sunday's 1-0 home defeat to West Brom.
"I told him after Manchester City that I am not expecting him to be man of the match in every game," said Mourinho.
"I am not expecting him to be phenomenal every match because that is really difficult, but to keep a certain level. That's the challenge, that's obvious.
"Has he done that in recent games? He was phenomenal against Manchester City, not good against West Brom, and again phenomenal against Bournemouth.
"Against Manchester City, you have the two goals and people say 'wow, super decisive' but I think he played even better against Bournemouth. Since minute one he was even more consistent, more in control of the game. He was really good."
I was not expecting Alexis to arrive and immediately become the player we know he can be.
Mourinho also denied he is frustrated with Alexis Sanchez's form since joining United from Arsenal in January, and believes it will take until next season before he rediscovers his best form.
"(It's) the reason I am not a big fan of the January market but it was an opportunity we didn't want to lose," he said.
"The deal was to be done then or probably never, and we decided to do it.
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"I was not expecting Alexis to arrive and immediately become the player we know he can be.
"I know next season he will be more Alexis than he is now."
