Zlatan Ibrahimovic has suggested that Paul Pogba was unable to play with confidence at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho.

Reports frequently suggested that Pogba and Mourinho had a strained relationship at Old Trafford, and Pogba's form has improved since the manager's departure in December.

Ibrahimovic played for United during the pair's first season at the club, and the Swede has claimed that Pogba was unable to show his full qualities under Mourinho.

The 37-year-old told ESPN: "There are these players that need to be free, they need to feel free to do what they are able to do under the disciple of the coach.

"Obviously, [Mourinho] has his tactics, he has that, but some players they go above these limits, and you need to let them be free, and I think Paul is one of them. Paul didn't feel confidence from the coach, and the coach didn't feel confidence for Paul.

"It's difficult to perform as a player if you don't have confidence from the coach and you don't have that energy, that motivation, and Jose felt the same thing about Paul. These things happen, and that is part of the game also; I mean, not everybody can go among each other and do well together."

Pogba has contributed five goals and four assists since the arrival of caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.