Jose Mourinho says he “couldn’t be happier” with Paul Pogba at Manchester United, but will he keep the armband against Brighton?

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has insisted he “couldn’t be happier” and that there has not been a bust-up between himself and Paul Pogba at his press conference today.

There had been a number of reports this week claiming manager Jose Mourinho and France’s Paul Pogba had fallen out over the comments made by Pogba after the match against Leicester City on last Friday night.

Pogba was asked numerous questions about his future in the post-match interview area and after doing his best to not say anything out of line, the Frenchman made an intriguing statement. In one interview Pogba was pushed on whether or not he was happy currently at Manchester United.

"“If you’re not happy, you cannot give your best. There are things that I cannot say otherwise I will get fined.” [Sky Sports]"

In normal circumstances, reporters would be desperate to hear the team news ahead of the next match. Unsurprisingly though, this time the question on everyone’s lips was whether or not the relationship was healthy. Mourinho responded.

"“I’ve never been so happy with him as I am now, that’s the truth. I cannot demand more from him, I cannot ask more from him, he came here on a Monday, trained three days, I asked for his support for his contribution in an important match for us when the team had difficulties.” [MEN]"

Mourinho continued to express how Pogba, a youth team graduate seven years ago, always plays for the Manchester United fans. Something which the Portuguese-man expects from every member of the first team squad.

"“He did it (returned for training ahead of the Leicester match) for the fans and for the team is exactly what I want, is exactly what I demand from my players, he’s working well, playing well, he does for the fans, he does for the team and that’s what I want, to play for the team and I couldn’t be happier than what I am.”"

Will Paul Pogba play and captain the side against Brighton this Sunday?

The short answer, yes. Mourinho confirmed at his press conference that Pogba will lead the Manchester United side out again this Sunday at the AMEX stadium. However, he will not keep the armband on a permanent basis.

In his absence, it looks as though Pogba will be the main to wrap the band around his bicep. It could be a move with eventually sees him take over the role from Valencia if he is still here. Also, one which could give him that responsibility and pressure to kickstart his Manchester United career.

Maybe Mourinho is hoping it will make Pogba focus on doing his job for the team to a level which sets the standards for all the other United players. But for the meantime, Mourinho is just hoping, as are the fans, he sticks around.