Paul Pogba in fresh swipe at boss Jose Mourinho over Manchester United captaincy

Man United midfielder Paul Pogba and manager Jose Mourinho [Courtesy]

Paul Pogba insists he doesn't need the captain's armband to be a leader on the pitch in a fresh swipe at Jose Mourinho.

The Manchester United midfielder was dramatically stripped of the vice-captaincy at Old Trafford last month by Mourinho.

His public criticism of Mourinho's tactics led to the decision with Ashley Young leading United out in recent weeks in Antonio Valencia's absence.

Pogba has joined up with the France squad this week and was asked about the possibility of captaining his country in the near future.

Paul Pogba insists he doesn't need the captain's armband to be a leader on the pitch [Courtesy]

"I've never played in the France team to be captain, being here is already a big thing for me," he said.

"You don't have to be captain in order to speak, a leader is not someone who has the armband.

"As a leader you can talk on the pitch but I've seen leaders who didn't necessarily talk."

Pogba insists he is the ideal go-between for the older players and younger members of Didier Deschamps' squad.

"With my age, 25 years old, I'm between the two sets of players, the oldest and the youngest," he added.

"That allows me to relay messages and have the chance to be heard."