Pogba Not Affected By Captaincy Strip

By Max Wise

Paul Pogba claims that Jose Mourinho’s decision to strip him of the vice-captaincy has not affected him in any way.

The French World Cup winner was handed the captain’s armband earlier in the season in the absence of substantive captain Antonio Valencia, but a reported friction in his relationship with the Portuguese trainer led to him being stripped of the role.

Speaking ahead of United's Champions League clash with Juventus at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday, Pogba said he was unperturbed by his manager’s decision.

"If he takes the armband away, it doesn't change anything," said the player who joined the Old Trafford outfit from the Italian Champions two seasons ago for a then world record fee of £89 million.

"I just want to play, perform and give my best. It didn't affect me."