Richard Keys sensationally claims Jose Mourinho ‘PLANNED’ to get sacked at Man United by leaving out club-record signing Paul Pogba and it ‘worked perfectly’

Richard Keys has sensationally claimed that Jose Mourinho told him he ‘wanted’ to be sacked by Manchester United back in 2018.

Mourinho was relieved of his duties at Old Trafford in December 2018 following a 3-1 to defeat by Liverpool that left the Red Devils sixth in the table.

United’s club-record signing Paul Pogba did not start that match or the two league games that preceded it, and former Sky Sports presenter Keys wrote in his blog on Wednesday that this was a deliberate ploy from the Portuguese boss to get himself fired.

‘He once told me he knew he’d be sacked at United for leaving Pogba out of three consecutive games – at a time when the Frenchman’s stock was at its highest. All planned,’ Keys wrote.

‘And it worked perfectly. He wanted the sack. He got it.’

Keys alleges Mourinho told him he would drop Paul Pogba to get himself fired

Keys’ accusation comes amid speculation linking Mourinho with a shock return to United.

Mail Sport has reached out to Mourinho’s representatives for comment. 

Mail Sport revealed last week that the 61-year-old wants a second chance at the club as he feels he has ‘unfinished business’ after leaving Roma last month.

But Keys is unconvinced by the notion of Mourinho potentially replacing Erik ten Hag, and has questioned why he ever took the Old Trafford job in the first place.

‘Never mind that he went on to say that his biggest regret at Old Trafford wasn’t that he should have left at the end of the first season – but taking the job in the first place. How does that sit with those suggesting he’s got ‘unfinished business’ at United?’ Keys added.

Instead, Keys thinks another Premier League job could be a better fit – namely, a third stint at Chelsea.

The Blues dropped into the bottom half of the table on Sunday after losing 4-2 at home to Wolves, and the pressure is building on manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Fans voiced their discontent during the match, with some singing Mourinho’s name as their team struggled on the pitch. 

Mourinho has been linked with a return to Old Trafford, but Keys doesn’t think he should go back

Keys thinks Mourinho could team up with his former captain John Terry to improve Chelsea’s fortunes

Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has been facing the pressure after a poor run of form recently

Mourinho won three Premier League titles in his two spells at Stamford Bridge, and Keys feels he could be the man to turn things around after another dismal campaign for the west London outfit, particularly if he teams up with his former captain John Terry. 

However, he has tipped him to take over at Saudi-backed Newcastle after a difficult season for Eddie Howe’s side.

‘What’s the fix (to Chelsea’s problems)? Mourinho might just be, although I still think it’s more likely that he’ll turn up at Newcastle,’ Keys noted.

‘He’s nowhere near finished. Chelsea fans would love to see him back. No matter where he’s been and what he’s done – Chelsea is still home for Mourinho.

‘If not Mourinho – perhaps it’s JT’s time? Maybe Mourinho and JT could sort it out together? They certainly couldn’t make it worse than it currently is. Something has got to be done.’