The Latest: Pogba posts cryptic message after Mourinho exit

Posted December 18, 2018 6:00 am

The Associated Press

FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 file photo Manchester United's manager Jose Mourinho, right, with Manchester United's Paul Pogba just prior to the start of Europa League group A soccer match between Manchester United and Zorya Luhansk at Old Trafford, Manchester, England. Manchester United says Jose Mourinho has left the Premier League club with immediate effect. The decision was announced Tuesday Dec.18, 2018, two days after a 3-1 loss to Liverpool left United 19 points off the top of the Premier League after 17 games. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson, File) The Associated Press

MANCHESTER, England (AP) - The Latest on Jose Mourinho's departure from Manchester United (all times local):

11:25 a.m.

Manchester United's most expensive player posted a cryptic message online about Jose Mourinho's firing - then swiftly deleted it.

Paul Pogba wrote on Instagram "Caption this!" alongside a picture of him smirking quizzically into the camera.

The breakdown of Pogba's relationship with Mourinho has mirrored United's decline this season.

One of the world's most talented midfielders, Pogba didn't even get off the bench in one of the biggest matches of the season against Liverpool on Sunday when United lost 3-1.

Pogba was one of Mourinho's first signings, returning to United in 2016 for 105 million euros (then $116 million).

10:55 a.m.

Michael Carrick is in temporary charge as Manchester United searches for a caretaker manager until the end of the season.

Carrick joined the United coaching staff after retiring from playing in May.

After Jose Mourinho's firing on Tuesday, United says it is conducting a "thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager" - signaling they won't be in charge until next season.

Mourinho's successor might not be leading a team in the Champions League next season, with United 11 points behind fourth-place Chelsea approaching the midpoint of the Premier League.

9:55 a.m.

Manchester United says Jose Mourinho has left the Premier League club with immediate effect.

The decision was announced on Tuesday, two days after a 3-1 loss to Liverpool left United 19 points off the top of the Premier League after 17 games.

Mourinho lasted 2 1/2 years at United and won two titles, the English League Cup and the Europa League in his first season.

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Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, right, and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho seen prior to the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) The Associated Press

Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho looks out from the bench prior a Group H Champions League soccer match between Valencia and Manchester United at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz) The Associated Press

Manchester United's manager Jose Mourinho during the training session at the AON Training Complex in Manchester, England, Tuesday Dec. 11, 2018. Man United will play against Valencia, in their Champions League group stage soccer match on Wednesday. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP) The Associated Press

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