The football Einsteins are at it again.
Speaking with media Thursday, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho openly wondered why reporters have so easily changed their opinions on world-record signing Paul Pogba.
The 23-year-old scored from both short and long range to ignite a 4-1 win over Europa League visitor Fenerbahce, a performance which gave Mourinho the ammunition to mock Pogba's critics.
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"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, according to the Guardian's Jamie Jackson.
"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."
The France international was anonymous Monday against Liverpool, but he seemed to thrive in a midfield position beside Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.
"He was not depressed because some people said he was a bad player," Mourinho continued. "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."
Yet to put a string of convincing performances together since his £89-million move from Juventus, Pogba has become a lightning rod for criticism
But he showed desire Thursday, requesting to take the first of United's two penalties. Wayne Rooney - who's enduring his own battle with the headlines - quietly deferred to his younger teammate.
"I told Wayne I wanted to take the penalty and he let me," Pogba said. "I am very happy to score that penalty, and from a player like him to let me it is big respect, so I am very glad."