Manchester United players side with Jose Mourinho in Paul Pogba row?

Manchester United's players are reportedly happy with manager Jose Mourinho's decision to strip Paul Pogba of the vice-captaincy.

The Portuguese confirmed after the Red Devils' shock EFL Cup exit on Tuesday night that the midfielder will no longer be considered for leadership duties.

Pogba watched on from the stands as United lost on penalties to Derby County following a 2-2 draw in normal time, three days on from questioning his manager's tactics.

Mourinho is said to have hit out at the France international in the dressing room in the aftermath of United's draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, deepening the rift between the two men.

The Times suggests that United's players have sided with Mourinho in the row, as they feel that the ex-Chelsea boss has valid reasons behind his decision to take Pogba off "second captain" duties.

A separate report claims that Pogba will push for a move to Barcelona in the New Year, but the Catalan club have been told to hand over more than £200m.