Mourinho explains why he benched Pogba during Man United's 3-1 loss at Anfield

Paul Pogba dropped during Manchester United's 3-1 loss at Anfield

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has finally explained his decision to leave Paul Pogba on the bench, according to Goal.com.

Pogba remained on the bench for the entire match at Anfield as United were outplayed in Sunday's 3-1 loss at Anfield, which leaves them in sixth, 19 points off leaders Liverpool.

Mourinho has been unimpressed by Pogba's form and attitude in recent weeks and it is common knowledge that Pogba is unhappy at Old Trafford with the 55-year old in charge.

Asked why Pogba has been left out, Mourinho said: "No."

Pushed for more answers, he added: "Because I am happy with [Nemanja] Matic, Lingard and [Ander] Herrera."

Pogba has been linked with a potential return to Juventus in recent months, while Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have also been touted as potential destinations.

Mourinho's decision to leave Paul Pogba as an unused substitute raised eyebrows with Former Manchester United captains Gary Neville saying the midfield was not up to scratch.

"I can't get over United's central midfield. If you're Paul Pogba watching (Nemanja) Matic, (Ander) Herrera, (Marouane) Fellaini, Fred, who played the other night ... not one of them can pass a football," he said.

"None of them can actually receive the ball and pass the ball. I just find it absolutely staggering. I thought United were awful today....It's not good enough," added the former full-back who won eight titles in Alex Ferguson's team.

Neville said it would not make sense to sack Mourinho mid-season and pointed the finger at the club's directors for extending the manager's contract last season.

"The board are so naive, giving him a new contract. Manchester United need to reset. It's not just the manager, it's deeper than that. They lost control of the football club when they gave him a contract extension 18 months in.

"The minute he came back from pre-season he was at it and the club lost control. There is not that experience or knowledge in the football club above him to be able to manage or control him and handle him."