Former Manchester United manager Tommy Docherty has urged the club to "let Paul Pogba go" in order to put an end to their mounting problems.

Saturday afternoon's defeat to West Ham United means that the Red Devils are enduring their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign.

Jose Mourinho is under increasing pressure as a result of his side's poor run of form, not helped by his feud with £89m midfielder Pogba being made public.

Docherty, who managed United from 1972 until 1977, believes that the easiest way to resolve the predicament is to sell Pogba at the earliest possible opportunity.

"I would just let Pogba go. He clearly doesn't want to be at the club," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "Some players who are high maintenance but do perform for you can be tolerated. But he blows hot and cold. United should never have re-signed him in the first place.

"Sir Alex Ferguson let him go for a reason. I'm not a fan of Mourinho - if he was made of chocolate he would eat himself. And I have my doubts that he will still be at the club this time next season. United don't like to sack their managers and like to give them a good run.

"But Mourinho must be on borrowed time as he has spent well over £300m. And these constant rows being played out in public with his players won't have done him any good. But if he does stay then he needs to show he's in charge - and that means getting rid of Pogba as soon as he can. It's the only way to show he's in control at the club."

Reports suggest that Barcelona could swoop for Pogba in the New Year, with a £140m offer being readied.