Richard Keys has detailed how Jose Mourinho orchestrated a deliberate strategy to engineer his own dismissal as Manchester United manager in December 2018.
During his tenure, Mourinho spent two-and-a-half years at the helm of the Red Devils, securing a Europa League trophy, a Carabao Cup title, and finishing as Premier League runners-up.
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However, the 61-year-old was relieved of his duties following a disappointing start to the 2018-19 season, with United languishing 19 points adrift of the league leaders after just seven wins from 17 top-flight fixtures.
Keys alleges that Mourinho purposefully sidelined Paul Pogba for three consecutive games as part of his plan to provoke the club into sacking him.
‘He once told me he knew he’d be sacked at United for leaving Pogba out of three consecutive games,’ Keys wrote in his blog on Wednesday.
‘At a time when the Frenchman’s stock was at its highest. All planned. And it worked perfectly. He wanted the sack. He got it.’
Mourinho brought Pogba to Manchester United for his second stint in 2016, but their relationship deteriorated over time due to frequent clashes and disagreements.
The Portuguese manager publicly criticized Pogba, labeling him ‘a virus’ in front of his teammates. Pogba, in turn, has spoken about experiencing depression as a result of his time working with Mourinho.
Currently without a club after departing Roma, Mourinho has been linked to the Chelsea managerial position amid increasing pressure on Mauricio Pochettino.
There are also suggestions that Mourinho would consider returning to Old Trafford for a second spell if Manchester United decides to replace Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag’s future has been under scrutiny during a challenging second season, but recent positive results, such as a 3-0 victory over West Ham last weekend, have alleviated some of the pressure.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new minority shareholder, is expected to give Ten Hag until the end of the season before making a decision on whether to retain him for a third campaign as Manchester United manager.
