Jose Mourinho has hit out at the footballing "Einsteins" once again after Paul Pogba struck twice for Manchester United on Thursday night to silence his critics.
The world-record signing, who moved to Old Trafford in the summer, scored first from the spot and then whipped a fine effort into the top corner in United's 4-0 victory over Fenerbahce.
Victory puts United up to second in group A of the Europa League, and Mourinho was keen to make a point about the criticism his 23-year-old midfielder received during the first months in Manchester.
"First of all, in some of your mouths, he goes from the worst player in the Premier League to a great player in 48 hours," Mourinho said.
"I am not specifically saying it is you. I say media, especially the Einsteins. We know he is a very good player. We know he needs some time to show his potential. I know Italian football very well. I know teams play completely different from the Premier League."
The double marked Pogba's third and fourth goals since returning to Old Trafford, but some believe his £89 million ($109 million) price tag warrants a greater return and impact on the team.
Mourinho insists the Frenchman has allowed the criticism to wash over him and praised the quality of his second strike.
"He was not depressed because some people said he was a bad player," he added. "He was not depressed; he was calm. It is always nice for a player to score, to score at home and especially to score such a beautiful goal."
United faces Chelsea on Sunday for what will be Mourinho's first return to Stamford Bridge since he was sacked for a second time by the club in December 2015.
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