(Getty)
Manchester United have a chance to sneak into the Premier League’s top four on Thursday, but their highest-paid player will remain on the sidelines.
Paul Pogba is out with a hamstring injury and will miss Thursday’s match. The muscle became an issue in the team’s weekend match against Burnley, but manager Jose Mourinho has called the problem an “accumulation of fatigue.”
In their quest for trophies this season, United have logged more matches then teams at a similar place in the standings. Since joining the team in August Pogba has played in 57 competitive matches, including 12 representing France. He’s started 28 of his team’s 32 Premier League games this season, and has contributed four goals and three assists.
United’s crowded schedule isn’t only affecting Pogba. Injuries are starting to accumulate for Mourinho, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who will miss extended time with a knee injury. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are out at the back, and Juan Mata and Marcus Rojo are also sidelined.
Fortunately for United, Ander Herrera is ready to return to the midfield. With Pogba out, expect Herrera, Fellaini, and possibly Michael Carrick to control the middle for United.
Paul Pogba joined United in the summer after four seasons with Juventus, signing for a record transfer fee of $116.4 million.