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LONDON. — Jose Mourinho has told Paul Pogba he must maintain the same focus and intensity for Manchester United he showed in winning the Soccer World Cup with France.

Mourinho believes the closed nature of the World Cup was the perfect environment in which Pogba could flourish, with few outside influences to distract him from football.

Pogba’s perceived lack of focus was a cause of tension between him and Mourinho last season, with United’s club record £89million signing dropped for high-profile games as a result.

Mourinho was asked how he and United can get the best out of Pogba next season, after two underwhelming campaigns since his return from Juventus, but said the focus was on the player to deliver and produce the same consistency he did in Russia.

Mourinho has also hinted that Pogba’s focus at Manchester United is not at the required level and shifted the onus on to the France midfielder to perform at his peak.

Pogba was integral to France as they lifted the World Cup, scoring in the 4-2 final win over Croatia, and Mourinho pointed to the midfielder’s displays in Russia as to the levels Pogba can reach.

The two did not always see eye to eye at Old Trafford last season and Pogba admitted having “small issues” with the Portuguese boss as he found himself on the bench on several occasions.

Mourinho also recently named six players who he saw as possible replacements for captain Michael Carrick and Pogba’s name was not among them. — The Mirror.