Not even Pogba and Ibra are untouchable at United, says Mourinho

Jose Mourinho insists none of his Manchester United stars are untouchable, not even Paul Pogba or Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Portuguese famously described the nucleus of his team during his first stint at Chelsea as “untouchable”, with the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba starring in that squad.

United forked out a record fee to land Pogba from Juventus in the close-season, while Ibrahimovic arrived as one of the most feared strikers in world football despite being 34 when he signed.

However, Pogba has struggled for form since returning to Old Trafford and Ibrahimovic has failed to score in his past four Premier League matches after netting four in as many top-flight matches to kick off the campaign.

And Mourinho says no one is guaranteed a place in his line-up.

“No [Pogba and Ibrahimovic are not untouchable],” he said ahead of Thursday’s Europa League tie against Fenerbahce. 

“That was 11 years ago [that Mourinho described some Chelsea players as untouchable], different Premier League, different situation.

“[Chelsea were] the best team by far, that’s a different story.

“Nobody is untouchable now. Untouchable in our team I think has to be the spirit, the commitment, the pride, the commitment to the club, the respect to the fans. 

“That has to be untouchable, but not players.”

Ibrahimovic has just one goal in his past seven appearances for United, that coming in the scrappy 1-0 victory over Zorya in the Europa League.

But Mourinho, who also worked with the Ibhrahimovic at Inter, says he “could not be happier” with the impact the Sweden great has made on the squad.

“I’m really happy. He’s giving us exactly what we need from him,” he added.

“It’s quite beautiful for me to meet him five or six years later and to find the same ambition, passion and desire to play, desire to compete.

“I couldn’t be happier. The guy is really fit. He’s always ready to play. I couldn’t be happier in terms of his influence in the dressing room.

“Obviously he’s somebody that the young guys look at and what they see is great for them.”