'I have to accept it' - Pogba admits to 'issues' with Mourinho

Paul Pogba has admitted that he had "some small issues" with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho throughout the 2017-18 season.

The France international, who is currently at the World Cup in Russia, flattered to deceive for periods of United's campaign.

United eventually finished second, though they were a massive 19 points behind champions Manchester City.

Pogba scored six goals and provided 10 assists throughout the season, but his form was far from consistent, and he has now admitted that his season did not go as smoothly as it could have done.

"It was a better season than the previous one," Pogba said. "It was an experience. There were some small issues with [Mourinho], but they were nothing in the end.

"Being a substitute, that sort of thing, it helps you to grow. I have to accept it."

Pogba joined United in 2016 in a then-world record £89 million (€105m/$116m) deal, but managed a meagre return of five goals and four assists throughout his first season back at the club.

Now in Russia, Pogba thought he had scored France's winning goal in their opening match against Australia, only for it to be assigned as an Aziz Behich own goal.

France also struggled against Peru, winning the game 1-0 thanks to Kylian Mbappe's first-half strike, with the form of Antoine Griezmann called into question.

Pogba, though, insists that the Atletico Madrid striker, who scored a penalty versus Australia, is an indispensable asset.

"Antoine is doing very, very well -- he is happy," Pogba said. "Just because he did not score in the second match [against Peru], it does not mean that it is not the same Grizou.

"Leave my Grizou alone! You have forgotten about Euro 2016. Think about all of the defensive work he did against Peru. He helped us to keep them out."

France were losing finalists at Euro 2016, and are hoping to go one better in Russia.