PAUL POGBA COULD be out of action for a “few weeks” after suffering a suspected hamstring injury that took the shine off Manchester United’s successful return to the Champions League, manager Jose Mourinho said.
United, who missed out on qualification for Europe’s premier club competition last season, coasted to a 3-0 victory on Tuesday, with goals for Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford.
But, making his debut as United captain, Pogba lasted just 18 minutes of the Group A game before being forced off by an apparent left hamstring injury, with Fellaini taking his place.
The 24-year-old French midfielder reportedly left Old Trafford on crutches.
“I don’t know (what the severity is),” Mourinho told MUTV, the club’s in-house television station. “I just know from experience it’s a muscular injury. In my experience, muscular injury stops you from playing for a few weeks, I think.
“It looks for me too (like a hamstring injury) but I haven’t spoken yet to the medical department.”
Pogba’s injury will also concern France, who are hoping he is fit in time to play in the crucial World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria on 7 October.
Mourinho said he had midfield options for the weekend’s Premier League clash with Everton, including Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick, Fellaini and Nemanja Matic.
Rashford, who made his Champions League debut on Tuesday, said Pogba’s loss was a big blow.
“Paul’s going to be a massive miss and hopefully we can get him back fit as soon as possible,” said Rashford.
“We have to play every game to win. If we want to be champions, then we have to win (those) types of games (like Sunday’s). It’s going to be difficult. Everton are a really strong team.”
The teenager said United’s strong squad would help them cope with the loss of Pogba.
Rashford has looked bright in the early weeks of the campaign but, like Anthony Martial, has been unable to nail down a starting berth due to United’s impressive attacking options.
The teenager believes United’s embarrassment of riches is helping rather than hindering his and Martial’s development.
“It’s difficult when you’re in and out of the team but we have to find the positives out of it and I think we have both done that,” the England international said.
“I think the competition is always positive competition because we’re improving each other every day when we’re in training and in the games we’re pushing each other more and more.”
Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:
Even as a Liverpool fan I’d love to see Rashford get a good run of games. Thought he was a classy player since he burst on the scene.
@James: He’s started in most league games so far
@Stephen Lyons: yeah fair. I just hope it continues. I’m sure he learned a tonne from Zlatan last year but at this early stage in his career it’s important he plays plenty games too!
@James: Oh me too, huge admiration for the lad, seems very down to earth too; no crazy celebrations or self-praise. Plus I have him in fantasy football!
World class talent. Far better than any player at liverpool.
@Jamie: Am I dreaming?
@Jamie: that’s not hard tho. Liverpool is one of the greatest clubs in the history of football and it’s embarrassing that Jordan Henderson is the captain that’s the standard of Liverpool now..
@Stephen Lyons: pay no attention to him he’s a fan.see the way he has 4y and I have 1y
@Jamie: who is the real Jamie? I want to get to the bottom of this once are for all. Some serious questions needs answering.. Will we find out who’s the real Jamie? Stay tuned folks
@Jamie: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
@Acedeuce: I’m the real Jamie. United this, United that.
@Stephen Lyons: I know this must be what it’s like being famous
@Acedeuce: I can confirm that they’re both tw@ts and you should mute the both.
@Lorcán Coyle: I’d have to agree
@Jamie: so what does that mean that he’s in 4th year and your in 1st year
@Acedeuce: first on is a second Jamie as i have the next one muted
Waiting anxiously, serioisly !! Fu(king dire footballer !
@Mrs. Nugent: Probably best player in the league so far. Seriously.
@Adrian Costigan: sorry Adrian, I’m a United fan for many years but I remain unconvinced about Pogba. I’ve yet to see him totally dominate the midfield in any game so far. I’m amazed at all the United fans saying he’s been playing brilliantly this season because I just don’t see it. He’s been playing OK but that’s not good enough for the amount of money paid. Mkhitaryan has been playing much better than him so far this season. Maybe I’m expecting too much or perhaps other United fans have started believing the hype.
@Sloop John G:
Mkhitaryan has also been excellent.
Stats for the two of them for the 4 league games so far.
https://www.premierleague.com/players/3920/Paul-Pogba/stats?co=1&se=79
https://www.premierleague.com/players/5102/Henrikh-Mkhitaryan/stats?co=1&se=79
I’d say Pogba shades it but hey, it’s early days.
@Sloop John G: Agreed Sloop. I’m still not convinced either. He doesn’t seem to control the tempo of the game at all. His decision making is still very questionable also. I’m afraid now that with his injury, Sideshow, who seems to be Mourinho’s love child, is gonna get a run of games now.
Pogba is no good. We paid big bucks but we got an average player. Matic is our best midfield player, Pogba is our fourth or fifth best midfield player.