Jose Mourinho says only Paul Pogba can explain poor Manchester United form

Manager denies midfielder's fall in standard has nothing to do with hamstring injury picked up in Champions League tie against Basel last September

There have been numerous reports of disharmony between Paul Pogba, left, and manager Mourinho. Miguel Morenatti / AP Photo

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba's poor club form is not due to an injury he suffered last year and only the Frenchman can explain his struggles this season, manager Jose Mourinho has said.

Pogba picked up a hamstring injury in a Uefa Champions League tie against Basel last September and has not been able to replicate his early season form since returning.

The 25-year-old France international has had further spells on the sidelines this season due to minor injuries and poor form and has not started in United's last three games.

"It [Pogba's form] has nothing to do with his injury. His recovery was good," Mourinho was quoted as saying by British media ahead of Saturday's Premier league clash with 14th-placed Swansea City.

Asked about the reasons for Pogba's dip in performance, Mourinho added: "Ask him when you have a chance what he thinks about it... I work [to get the best out of him]. It's the only thing I can do. I cannot do anything else.

"I think he is fine after the injury. It was a difficult injury, it was an injury that other players, other clubs, other medical assessments, they end in surgery."

"I think he is more than fine in relation to the recovery from the injury, which is a muscular area sometimes where you have a recurrence. In his case, not at all," Mourinho added.

Pogba scored and set up a goal to inspire France to a 3-1 friendly win away to World Cup hosts Russia on Tuesday.

United are second in the league on 65 points from 30 games as they bid to finish runners-up to champions-elect Manchester City.

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