- Paul Pogba was named on the bench for Manchester United’s trip to Sevilla
- But he replaced the injured Ander Herrera after just 17 minutes on Wednesday
- The Frenchman was given a tactical lowdown by Jose Mourinho and Rui Faria
- Booklet appeared to highlight how he should line-up in defending free kicks
Paul Pogba’s struggles were highlighted on Wednesday night as pictures emerged of Jose Mourinho giving him detailed tactical instructions before sending him on in the goalless draw with Sevilla.
A chastening few weeks for the French midfielder culminated in him being left on the bench for the Champions League stalemate in the south of Spain.
But he was offered a reprieve just 17 minutes into the game as Ander Herrera was forced off the pitch with a hamstring injury.
Jose Mourinho appeared to give Paul Pogba detailed instructions before sending him on
The Frenchman was handed a booklet by Rui Faria as he prepared to enter the pitch
The booklet seemed to show Pogba how he was meant to defend from free-kicks
And as he prepared to enter the fray, assistant manager Rui Faria started to go through some last minute instructions with the £89million man.
It was at this point that Mourinho took hold of the booklet and started jabbing at it while appearing to discuss United’s tactical plan with the former Juventus star.
The booklet contained a pitch map, with Mourinho seemingly pointing out to Pogba the positions he wanted him to take up in place of Herrera.
One of the pages was titled ‘defensive lateral free kick’ and appeared to highlight how Mourinho wanted his star man to line up in defending a set piece.
The Manchester United bench were deep in thought as they examined their booklets
Mourinho points out advice to Pogba as he prepares to send him on for Ander Herrera
Pogba had been left on the bench but was offered a reprieve after only 17 minutes
Pogba had been at fault for Newcastle’s winner in their 1-0 victory at St James’ Park in his last start earlier this month.
The 24-year-old was beaten in the air by Florian Lejeune from a Jonjo Shelvey free-kick, leaving Matt Ritchie to fire past David de Gea from the resulting knock-down.
He was immediately substituted by Mourinho after also being replaced in the 2-0 defeat by Tottenham at Wembley a few weeks prior.
Pogba’s belated entrance on Wednesday night came after he pulled out of the FA Cup win over Huddersfield on Saturday through illness.
Pogba started as a substitute after he missed the weekend win over Huddersfield with illness
The French midfielder was brought on after only 17 minutes for the injured Ander Herrera
His place in the starting line-up at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan was taken by youngster Scott McTominay.
Mourinho’s men had De Gea to thank for keeping the hosts at bay in their last 16 first leg tie as he got a strong hand to a close-range header from Luis Muriel on the stroke of half-time.
Sevilla proved wasteful in front of goal but United created little in the attacking third and failed to score an away goal to take to the return leg at Old Trafford.
