Paul Pogba would be welcomed at Barcelona with open arms if he was to decide to leave Manchester United, says former Red Devils defender Gerard Pique.

The France World Cup winner’s relationship with Jose Mourinho has been under intense scrutiny over the summer and appears at breaking point, with the United boss recently denying the pair had ever had a bust-up.

The Portuguese also made the 25-year-old his captain for the season opener against Leicester, which appeared to be a show of faith in the midfielder.

But after an encouraging 2-1 win, United have now slumped to two straight defeats, a woeful 3-2 loss at Brighton and Monday’s 3-0 home hammering by Tottenham.

Pique, who won the Premier League and Champions League with United, said Pogba would be welcome at the Camp Nou if his circumstances ever changed.

“We would be happy to have him here,” Pique told reporters when asked about Pogba.

“I know little about what he is going through in Manchester and the relationship that exists [between Mourinho and Pogba].

“Pogba is a very good player, but a Manchester United player right now and we’ll see if something happens in the future.”

Earlier this month Sky in Italy reported United had rejected an offer of £45m plus Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes for Pogba from Bara.

Ernesto Valverde’s side have so far signed Arthur, Malcom, Clement Lenglet and Arturo Vidal this summer ahead of the August 31 deadline.