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 Jose Mourinho told him in 2018 that he ‘wanted’ to be sacked by Manchester United.

Mourinho was relieved of his duties at Old Trafford in December 2018 after a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool, leaving the Red Devils sixth in the table.

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

‘He once told me he knew he was going to be sacked from United for leaving Pogba for three games in a row – at a time when the Frenchman’s performances were at their peak. All planned,” Keys wrote.

‘And it worked perfectly. He wanted the bag. He’s got it.’

Keys claims 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.

Mailsport has contacted Mourinho’s representatives for comment.

Mailsport 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 idea that Mourinho could potentially replace Erik ten Hag, and questions why he ever took over the Old Trafford job in the first place.

‘It doesn’t matter that he went on to say that his biggest regret at Old Trafford was not that he should have left at the end of the first season, but that he should have taken the job in the first place. What about those who suggest he has ‘unfinished business’ at United?’ Added keys.

Instead, Keys believes another job in the Premier League could be a better fit, namely a third spell at Chelsea.

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

Fans expressed their displeasure during the match, with some chanting Mourinho’s name as their team struggled on the pitch.

Mourinho has been linked with a return to Old Trafford, but Keys does not think he should go back

Keys believes Mourinho could work with his former captain John Terry to improve Chelsea’s fortunes

Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino is under pressure after poor form of late

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

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

‘What is the solution to Chelsea’s problems? Mourinho might well be, although I still think it’s more likely he turns up at Newcastle,” Keys noted.

‘He’s not done yet. Chelsea fans would love to see him back. Wherever he has been and whatever he has done, Chelsea is still Mourinho’s home.

‘If not Mourinho, maybe it’s time for JT? Maybe Mourinho and JT can solve it together? They certainly couldn’t make it worse than it is now. Something has to happen.’