- as he strips Pogba off captaincy
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho “seems to be at war with his players”, said former Arsenal defender Martin Keown after the Red Devils were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Derby.
United were beaten 8-7 on penalties by the Championship side after a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, Mourinho told Paul Pogba he will not captain United again, but insisted they have not fallen out.
“He needs to start seeing the good in what they do,” Keown told the BBC.
“Is he pulling up the handbrake?”
Pogba watched from the stand as Derby, managed by former England midfielder Frank Lampard, knocked out United.
The defeat came three days after a draw at home to Wolves which left Mourinho’s side eight points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League table.
“Everyone in the media is quick to turn this into a massive crisis,” said Keown.
“Manchester United have had some good away results but suddenly they’re not able to win at home. I don’t enjoy seeing them not being competitive.
“Mourinho has said the pundits on the sofa have got too much to say. One of them, Frank Lampard, has proved him wrong. It’s a great scalp.
“Jose seems to be at war with his players.
“This was a really good United team and I can’t think of many bigger shocks in their history. Mourinho tried to go for it and he’ll be hurting in the dressing room.”