Pogba news sees Man Utd call on untested 18-year-old for derby

Manchester United could upgrade an upcoming teenage midfield talent to their matchday squad for Sunday’s derby at Manchester City amid an injury doubt surrounding Paul Pogba.

The France midfielder is struggling to the crucial derby clash at the Etihad Stadium after missing training on Friday.

The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes against former club Juventus on Wednesday as Jose Mourinho’s men came back to secure a stunning 2-1 win in the Champions League.

However, Pogba was conspicuous by his absence from United’s training session on Friday – an unneeded injury scare ahead of Sunday’s derby at the Etihad Stadium, where he netted a brace in April’s 3-2 victory.

The Red Devils will be hoping that what is being described as a “little injury” will not keep the World Cup winner out against City and it is understood Pogba did indoor work at the Aon Training Complex on Friday as a result of the issue.

To safeguard against Pogba’s possible absence, United promoted 18-year-old Academy star Aidan Barlow to first-team training on Friday.

The Salford-born youngster impressed for the U19s in the UEFA Youth League game against Juventus on Wednesday, scoring a penalty which ensured Nicky Butt’s side shared the spoils.

The Manchester Evening News suggest the player could yet make the matchday squad at the Etihad, should Pogba not be fit enough to be considered.

Lukaku Sanchez TEAMtalk

Romelu Lukaku is also a doubt for the derby, having missed the trips to Bournemouth and Juventus with a hamstring injury sustained last Friday.

The striker trained with the group this Friday, as did Alexis Sanchez, who took a blow in Turin.

Mourinho said ahead of the session: “Lukaku is training with the team this morning.

“We have of course one more session on Saturday, but if the answer is positive, he’s ready.

“But in this moment, I can only say he trains with the team. I don’t know his answer.”

United supporters have also urged the club to go on the attack ahead of the match at the Etihad and try and win the match on a positive note.

 

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