Paul Pogba was unlikely to be on Jose Mourinho's Christmas card list after their constant run-ins during the past couple of seasons.
And he definitely won't be now after Pogba's reaction on social media to confirmation that Mourinho left Manchester United after a terrible first half of the season.
The French midfielder, who started the past few matches on the bench, posted an image of himself on his Instagram and Twitter accounts with a smug look on his face and a description saying: Caption this!
The post was online for only a few minutes before being taken down.
Suggestions spread across social media that the post was part of an Adidas marketing campaign and was removed due to its bad timing.
This didn't stop former United player Gary Neville, a prominent media figure in the UK and ex-Valencia manager, from firing back at Pogba on Twitter.
United announced earlier today that Mourinho left with immediate effect.
"A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager," they said.
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Jose Mourinho is no longer manager of Manchester United. -
Manchester United are sixth in the Premier League table after 17 games, 19 points behind leaders Liverpool. -
United won three titles in Mourinho's first season in charge, the last one being in the Europa League in May 2017. -
Mourinho took charge in the summer of 2016. -
United is the first club since Uniao de Leiria that he has not won a league championship with. -
United beat Southampton 3-2 in February 2017 to win the League Cup. -
Mourinho had a difficult relationship with Paul Pogba throughout his reign. AFP -
Mourinho's best finish as United manager was second in 2017/18.. AFP -
Mourinho has endured many frustrations during his time in charge. AFP -
Mourinho with Pogba in September. Pogba had been dropped from United's side in recent weeks. AFP -
In happier times, Mourinho celebrating with players and staff after winning the Europa League. AFP -
Mourinho's last game in charge of United on Sunday ended in a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool. AFP
Pogba's days at United looked numbered while Mourinho was still in charge, despite the Portuguese bringing the former Juventus star back to Old Trafford in 2016.
While Pogba's form has been underwhelming for United, he was impressive for France during their successful World Cup campaign in the summer.
He criticised United's tactics after their 1-1 draw with Wolves, saying they needed to "attack, attack, attack" and was subsequently stripped of the vice captaincy and kept away from media duties.
There was also the training ground exchange in September which was caught on camera. Pogba looked dumbfounded by a Mourinho comment in front of teammates and coaching staff.
The midfielder is known for his elaborate social media posts, which have recently included dancing in the dressing room with teammate Jesse Lingard, and mocking himself over his own penalty technique – despite his lack of success this season from the spot.
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Read more:
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Barcelona or Real Madrid: Where will Paul Pogba go if he leaves Manchester United?
