Jose Mourinho defends Paul Pogba poor start

Jose Mourinho has defended Paul Pogba's sluggish start to his second spell at Old Trafford, stating the world-record fee paid for him by Manchester United is not a "big deal" in relative terms. 

Paul Pogba left United for Juventus in 2012 but returned in August in a transfer costing an initial £89million, making him the most expensive player in the world. 

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After impressing on his debut against Southampton last month, the France international came under fire for disappointing displays in defeats to rivals Manchester City and Feyenoord. 

United this week reported a club-record £515.3m revenue for the last financial year, and the Portuguese suggested such financial muscle makes other clubs paying £40m for a player more surprising. 

"I think there are clubs that paid 20, 30, 40 [million pounds] which is a bigger deal than what Man United paid for Paul," said Mourinho 

"When you make a relation between what you pay and the club revenue, you realise that other clubs paying 20, 30, 40 is a much bigger thing than what Man United did. 

"I just want Paul to forget that and play his football." 

"[Pogba was in the] Euro final, no pre-season, holidays. He had a very good impact in the first game, but it's normal that after the first game he has a little decrease. 

"But I'm full of trust with him because I know the player he is, I know he's a very good guy with a lot of ambition so the form will come naturally and will come with the team. 

"The team improves, Paul improves, so no problem."