Having undergone a late fitness test this morning, Paul Pogba will miss out on the Manchester derby this afternoon.
The Frenchman played a key role in Manchester United’s win at the Etihad last season, scoring two goals in a couple of minutes to take the scoreline from 2-0 to 2-2.
However, Pogba trained away from the rest of the squad on Friday and reports suggested it would be touch and go whether he would be fit to face City.
Sadly, he hasn’t recovered in time, suggesting that United will start with a midfield consisting of Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic and Marouane Fellaini at the Etihad.
“Paul is injured,” Mourinho confirmed ahead of kick-off. “He was injured during the game in Turin. He resisted. He felt that he could resist. He felt that was such a crucial match for the team. He made that sacrifice for us & then it was impossible for him to recover for this.”
Earlier this week, Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, claimed that the player and Jose Mourinho had made up, following a period of disharmony between the two. Following our win over Juventus, the agent claimed the player was happy at United. “He has patched up his rapport with Jose Mourinho and is calmer now because he feels important to Manchester United, even if Turin and Juventus remain in his heart,” he said.
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